Discover Rataje Nad Sázavou-Malovidy

Rataje nad Sázavou combines a layered castle history with museum exhibits, church architectural history, and routes with differing information about their course and duration.

Castle and museum: architectural history and exhibitions

Rataje nad Sázavou Castle is a Renaissance castle. In the 16th century, it was converted from a High Gothic castle. The museum in the castle expands the focus beyond the building itself: its permanent exhibition covers the historical and architectural development of Rataje, including the development of settlement and an archaeological section. Another exhibition is devoted to Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Archaeological and settlement history topics are thus presented alongside a separate exhibition about the game.

Chateau Schenk is located on the ground floor of the north wing. It offers hot and cold drinks and comfortable seating in a non-smoking area. If you are planning a visit to the castle, you can consider stopping here for a drink.

Church and castle: different historical reference points

The branch church of St. Matthew in Rataje nad Sázavou was newly built and consecrated on September 21, 1691. This date adds to the castle chronology: for the church, its consecration in 1691 is a specific reference point, while for the castle it is the conversion in the 16th century.

Pirkštejn Castle was founded in the 14th century by Jindřich z Lipé on a rocky promontory above the Sázava. Tourist trails pass by the castle, but it is only occasionally open to the public. If you are planning a visit, check accessibility in advance.

Music performances and poetry celebrations take place at Pirkštejn; Tomáš Jamník's Chamber Music Academy regularly holds classical concerts there. If you are planning to attend a concert, it is advisable to check the specific dates and public access in advance.

Compare the pilgrimage route, tour, and cycling route

The Cyril and Methodius Pilgrimage Route, Blaník–Říp, leads from Rataje Castle down to the Sázava. The route “In the Footsteps of Henry from Kingdom Come: Deliverance” follows a different course: it starts in Rataje nad Sázavou and ends in Sázava. It is listed as 14 kilometers long and taking about 4.5 hours. The duration may vary depending on walking conditions and stops. Thus, the Henry route has named endpoints, a distance, and an approximate duration, while the pilgrimage route focuses on its course from the castle down to the Sázava.

For cycling, Route 3/C runs for about 30 kilometers from Sázava via Talmberk, Rataje nad Sázavou, and other places, returning to Sázava. Returning to the starting point distinguishes this tour from the route that ends in Sázava. Check current route conditions before setting off.

Getting there by bus and train

Rataje nad Sázavou can be reached by bus and train. Find current departures in the IDOS timetable system; check your connection there before travelling. Compare your travel arrangements with your planned visit or tour time, especially if you are planning to attend an event at Pirkštejn.

Discover more destinations: Drobovice, Církvice, Zleby, Paběnice, Miskovice, Rohozec, Košice U Nepoměřic, Podveky

For the broader travel overview: Okres Kutná Hora.