Lešany: Military Technology, Castle History and Trails

When planning a trip to Lešany, you can focus on different interests: military technology, the architectural history of Zámek Lešany, the region’s connection to František Hrubín, or trails through the surrounding countryside. For orientation, both the topics and the specific route paths and markings matter.

Military technology in the former barracks

The Vojenské technické muzeum Lešany displays more than 700 historical exhibits dating from 1890 to the present. The collection includes tanks, cannons, motorcycles, as well as armored, freight and passenger vehicles. It also features missile technology, communications and engineering equipment, and logistics materials. The collection is therefore not limited to vehicles: communications, engineering and logistics are also among the exhibition’s themes.

Since 1996, the museum has been housed in former artillery barracks between Krhanice and Lešany, near Týnec nad Sázavou. The site’s former military purpose and its technical collection are thus thematically connected. Visitors interested in military history will find a collection spanning a broad period: the exhibits range from 1890 to the present and cover various areas of military equipment.

As part of the annual opening of the exhibition season, events featuring demonstrations of historic military technology in motion are held in the museum arena. Tankové dny is one of the biggest events of the year; traditionally, it takes place on the last Saturday at the end of the summer holidays. If you are planning a trip specifically for such an event, check the date in advance.

Castle history in two building phases

The history of Zámek Lešany encompasses two distinct periods of development. In the mid-16th century, the castle was converted from an older manor house. After 1683, the Chapter of St. Vitus at Prague Castle gave it its present four-wing form. This makes it possible to distinguish the castle’s later form from the earlier site: the older manor house was the starting point, and the four wings were added in a later phase.

František Hrubín and the region

The Pamětní síň Františka Hrubína is dedicated to the life and work of the writer František Hrubín, both of which are connected with the region. The memorial is located in Lešany’s municipal office building. Its literary focus sets it apart from the technical collection and the castle’s architectural history. If you plan to visit the memorial, ask locally about visiting arrangements.

Educational and hiking trails

The Historií Lešan educational trail runs through the countryside around Lešany and introduces visitors to the nature, history and sights of the municipality and the surrounding region. Rather than focusing on individual technical or architectural topics, the trail covers several aspects of the municipality and its surroundings. Check local route conditions before setting out.

The Podlešanský mlýn educational trail begins at Krhanice railway station and ends in Lešany-Nová Ves. It is 5.5 kilometers long and has six information stops. The length and number of stops can help you gauge the scope of the trail. As the route or information boards may change, check local information before hiking.

The “Za Františkem Hrubínem do Lešan” hiking route follows a yellow-marked section between two ponds to the edge of Lešany, then continues to the village square. The published route description dates from March 2020; check the current markings before hiking. Another route description starts at Zámek Lešany: following the yellow markings, the route goes to the edge of Nová Ves, then continues on green markings to Kamenný Přívoz. This description was also published in March 2020. The stated colors and endpoints provide practical guidance for planning; check the markings before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Tichonice, Tisem, Vsetice, Keblov, Vojkov, Trhový Štěpánov, Ceský Sternberk, Louňovice Pod Blaníkem.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Benešov.