Mnichov in the southern Český les

Mnichov lies in the southern Český les, in the valley of the Pivoňka stream and 2 km southwest of the town of Poběžovice. A chapel, monastic history and a cycling route that runs through the village offer different points of interest. If you are considering Mnichov as a destination, you can therefore focus on its landscape, historic buildings or a specific cycling connection.

Landscape between the stream and the hills

The Pivoňka flows from south to northeast through Mnichov towards Poběžovice. The Mlýnský potok, a tributary of the Pivoňka, also flows north of the village. The Český les Nature Park extends into the municipal area. Together, these features offer different points of reference for the landscape: the stream in the village, a tributary to the north and the protected area within the municipality.

The elevations of the surrounding terrain also vary by location. Southeast of Mnichov, the land rises steeply to Čertovka, which is 607 m high. To the west, the ascent is more gradual towards the 595 m high U lesíka, which belongs to the Pivoňské hory. Along with the differing elevations, the direction and nature of the ascent are also features of the surrounding area.

The chapel and the village’s history

The Chapel of the Holy Trinity, built in 1728, stands in the village square. Another historical date relates to the village itself: the first written mention of Mnichov dates to 1550. These dates represent different aspects of its history: the chapel has its own year of construction, while 1550 marks the first written mention of the village.

The period from 1938 to 1945 is also part of the history. Following the Munich Agreement, Mnichov was annexed to Nazi Germany at that time. The historical timeframe reflected by these features therefore extends from the first written mention and the construction of the chapel through to the 20th century.

Monastic history in Pivoň

The Augustinian monastery is located in the municipality of Mnichov, in the village of Pivoň and in the Pivoň cadastral area. The former monastery is a national cultural monument and was founded in the 13th century. It acquired its present appearance through a High Baroque renovation after the monastery was dissolved and converted into a chateau. Its foundation, dissolution and later transformation mark different phases in the history of the complex.

Of particular architectural interest is the early Gothic presbytery of the monastery church: it is considered the oldest known purely Gothic building in the Czech Republic that is entirely free of Romanesque elements. The monastery is currently closed to the public for renovation work. As its renovation status may change, check access before your arrival.

A castle ruin and cycling route as further points of interest

The Starý Herštejn castle ruin is located in the Vranov u Mnichova cadastral area, about 2 km southwest of the village of Mnichov. It was probably founded before 1266 and fell into disrepair at the beginning of the 16th century. In the case of the castle ruin, the focus is on an uncertain foundation date and a later period of decline; the monastic history in Pivoň, by contrast, also includes a later architectural transformation.

For a trip that includes cycling, route 2281 is a specific point of reference. It is 31 km long, passes through Mnichov and connects Nemanice with Bělá nad Radbuzou. This gives you a choice between different themes for your stay: on the one hand, local buildings and their history; on the other, a cycling route between two named places.

Discover more destinations: Lazce, Stankov, Pelechy, Únějovice, Chocomyšl, Všekary, Dolní Kamenice, Brnirov

For the broader travel overview: Domažlice District.