Ždánov Between Castle History and Landscape

Ždánov offers travelers several distinct points of interest: castle history, religious buildings and memorials, and the landscape around Pařezovský kopec. The castle recalls the Pivoň Augustinians, while the chapel and cross add other religious sites to this historical perspective. On the hill, the focus is on views and nature. If you are looking for a hotel, these different highlights can help you decide what kind of trip you want to take.

The Castle and Augustinian Connections

Ždánov Castle was built in 1730 by the Pivoň Augustinians as a summer residence for guests of the Pivoň Augustinian monastery. This purpose connects the building’s history to the monastery and its guests. The castle has been listed as a cultural monument since 1958. The farmyard forms part of the castle complex on the southwestern edge of the village. The building’s historical use and its architectural layout can thus be viewed as two aspects of the same local setting.

During restoration, the older coloring of the Augustinian coat of arms above the main portal was reinstated. Opposite the castle stands a life-size sandstone statue of Saint Augustine, listed as an immovable cultural monument in Ždánov. The coat of arms and the statue highlight different things: one is a restored detail on the portal, while the other is a freestanding monument opposite the castle. Together, they show how Ždánov’s Augustinian connections are preserved both in its architecture and in a statue.

Chapel, Cross and Mill

The Chapel of Blessed Coloman and Saint Pio of Pietrelcina was completed on September 23, 2018, and consecrated by Bishop Mons. Tomáš Holub. A pilgrimage Mass is celebrated in the chapel in October. If the service is a deciding factor for your trip, check the current date in advance. The chapel offers a different perspective from the Augustinian connections at the castle: here, the focus is on a consecrated religious site, while the castle reflects the building’s historical purpose.

There is also a six-meter-high wrought-iron cross at Wendlovna, restored in spring 2012. The restored Červený Mlýn is located in the cadastral area of Ždánov. Along with the castle and chapel, the cross and mill add to the village’s range of architectural and religious points of interest.

Landscape and Village Center

Pařezovský kopec lies between Ždánov and Pařezov and is listed as a significant landscape feature. From there, views open over Český les, including Čerchov and the Haltravský hřeben. Endangered orchid species may still grow on the hill, offering a possible botanical point of interest alongside the viewpoints. Those who want to focus on the landscape will find a different highlight here than at the castle, chapel and monument.

The village center can also be understood through its spatial relationship with the village pond: the historic center forms an urbanistically significant composition space in relation to the pond. The character of the village is shaped not only by individual buildings, but also by the interplay between the historic center and the pond.

Cycling Route and Local History

Cycling Route 2287 is signposted and equipped with rest and educational facilities. Along a 21-kilometer stretch, information boards provide details about local history and other places of interest. Its information offering is therefore different from a visit focused on a single monument: the boards connect history with information about several places along the route. The route offers another thematic way to explore the area, combining educational information with rest facilities.

Discover more destinations: Čermná, Dolní Kamenice, Kolovec, Kout Na Šumavě, Chodská Lhota, Bezděkovské Předměstí, Všekary, Hvožďany

For the broader travel overview: Okres Domažlice.