Ostředek: The History of the Castle and Glassworks

Ostředek can be considered from two perspectives when planning a trip: its architectural and local history, and its marked cycling and hiking routes. The Baroque castle and its chapel represent the history of architecture, while the former glassworks represent local production and trade. The Rodná světnička of Svatopluk Čech adds a literary dimension. You can therefore plan your stay around historical themes or cycling and hiking trips.

The Castle and Chapel

Ostředek Castle is a Baroque building dating from the 18th century. The castle complex includes the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk. It was built in 1741 on the site of a 14th-century fortress. The chapel thus connects the Baroque castle complex with an older fortress site. It is a masonry building with a square floor plan, a gabled roof, and a small tower topped with an onion dome. The chapel complex also includes a cross and a retaining wall. Inside the chapel is a statue of Čechie from 1765, which was exhibited at EXPO in Montreal. The reconstructed castle chapel was used for regular classical music concerts. If you would like to plan your visit around a concert, check the current program separately.

The Former Glassworks

The Ostředek glassworks was ceremonially consecrated under the name Marie on September 15, 1829. From then on, the valley where it stood was called Mariánské údolí. The glassworks produced hollow glassware, which was sold at markets in the surrounding area, especially in Prague. Some of the products were taken as far as the Česká Lípa area for further processing. František Kavalír became the glassworks’ subtenant in 1830. The buildings of the former glassworks were demolished after 1891; today, glass shards and fragments of crucibles at the site recall its former production.

Literary History and Visits

The Rodná světnička of Svatopluk Čech in Ostředek was established in 1898. Later, it became a destination for numerous visitors who were readers of his works. Visits are possible by prior arrangement through the Lotos Sanatorium. Check the contact details before traveling and arrange your visit in advance.

Marked Cycling Routes and Hiking Trails

The 2023 municipal planning materials record two marked route alignments. Cycling route 0079 runs from Čakov through Ostředek toward Třemošnice, where it turns north along a local road toward Choratice. The yellow-marked hiking trail runs from the junction with the red trail below Bělčice to Ostředek and continues via Čakov and Křešice to Český Šternberk. You can distinguish the routes by mode of travel and direction: the cycling route heads toward Třemošnice and Choratice, while the hiking trail goes via Čakov and Křešice to Český Šternberk.

The Annual Fair and Planning Your Visit

The fair described as traditional took place on May 17 and 18 in 2025. An afternoon program was held on both days, mainly for families with children; the event attracted visitors from the nearby area and further afield. If you plan to visit Ostředek for a future fair, check the date for that year separately.

Discover more destinations: Šetějovice, Nova Rabyne, Vsetice, Kozmice, Václavice, Vodslivy, Louňovice Pod Blaníkem, Pravonín.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Benešov.