Neumětely: Building History, Šemík Monument and Hiking Trail

Neumětely offers several themes to consider when planning a stay: protected buildings, a local legend and a hiking route. Notable topics in the town’s history include the Parish Church of St Peter and Paul, the Šemík Monument and a former circular castle site. If you would like to combine culture with outdoor activities, these different highlights can help shape your trip.

Church and Building History

The protected Parish Church of St Peter and Paul was built in the 14th century. It has a Gothic core and was remodelled in the Baroque style in the mid-18th century. The Gothic core refers to the older structural layer; the Baroque remodelling describes a later change to the church building. The church also houses an organ dating from 1887. This feature adds a precisely dated object from the late 19th century to the building’s history.

Bell Tower and Bell

Another protected feature is the bell tower, built entirely of wood. It was constructed after 1763 and has a shingle roof. Its footprint measures nearly 6 by 5 metres, and its total height is just under 7 metres. The nearly rectangular footprint is similar in size in both directions, while the height exceeds the side measurements. The bell tower houses a single surviving bell with an inscription dated 1637. The inscription date predates the construction of the bell tower: the year 1637 dates the inscription, while the tower was built after 1763. Today, the bell is rung only for deaths and funerals.

The Šemík Monument and the Legend

The Šemík Monument was erected in 1887. It is a cenotaph in the form of an ancient temple, in the Historicist Neoclassical style. A cenotaph is a memorial monument. In Neumětely, there is a belief that Šemík, the faithful horse of the knight Horymír, is buried there. The monument stands in a small park behind the cemetery, beside the road. Its architectural form and the story serve different purposes: the temple-like design describes its appearance, while the legend explains Šemík’s connection to the place.

The Former Castle Site

Another historical feature is the circular castle site. It had a diameter of about 45 metres and was formerly surrounded on all sides by water and ramparts. The diameter indicates the approximate distance across the circular site and gives an idea of its size. Unlike the dated buildings, the focus here is not on a construction date, but on its former shape and the surrounding water and ramparts.

Hiking Trail and Visitor Items

For outdoor activities, a red-marked hiking trail leads from Neumětely towards Želkovice and Málkov. Before setting out, check whether the red marking is still current. The place names indicate the direction of the trail and may help you plan your hike. Tourist stamps and visitor cards are available at the municipal office and at the U Horymíra restaurant. If you would like to use these services, check their availability before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Svatá, Olešná, Březová U Hořovic, Nesvačily, Hudlice, Karlstejn, Tlustice, Trubská

For the broader travel overview: Beroun District.