Zemětice: Village Green, River and Places to Visit

Zemětice lies on the banks of the Merklínka River. The village green is home to the Neoclassical Chapel of St. Lawrence and several farmsteads with vaulted gateways; mature chestnut and lime trees line the square. Below the village are a pond and a former mill, while Drahovský rybník lies northeast of Zemětice. This gives you specific points of interest to consider when choosing a hotel: local history, bodies of water and a visit to the Chalupská Štěpánka observation tower appeal to different interests.

Village Green and Historical Traces

The Chapel of St. Lawrence dates from 1822. Its Neoclassical design adds character to the village green, while the vaulted gateways of several farmsteads complement the farmyard architecture. Mature chestnut and lime trees line the square. Here, a place of worship, details of the farmsteads and distinctive trees come together in one place.

The dates associated with the village’s history also refer to different things: Zemětice was first mentioned in writing in 1115. The archaeological site lies within the built-up area and is dated to the period from the Middle Ages to the modern era, as well as to the transition from the late Middle Ages to the modern era. The year refers to the written mention, while the period classification refers to the archaeological site. Another historical object is the Zemětice reconciliation cross, a monolithic stone about 70 cm tall.

Waterways, Swimming and Summer Events

The village’s waterscape includes the Merklínka River and the ponds mentioned above. Below the village are a pond and a former mill; Drahovský rybník lies northeast of Zemětice. Drahovák is now used as a natural open-air swimming area. Its sandy bottom and the clean inflow from a forest spring make this swimming spot distinctive. If you are especially interested in bodies of water, this offers a different focus from the historic buildings on the village green.

A chapel dating from 1855 stands by Mlýnský rybník. In summer, music events are held on an open-air dance floor above Dražský rybník. Exact dates may vary; check them if you would like to plan your trip around an evening of music. This distinguishes the chapel’s historical connection from the seasonal planning involved in attending an event.

To the Chalupská Štěpánka Observation Tower

The Chalupská Štěpánka observation tower stands alone on a gentle rise, 400 m from the settlement of Chalupy in the municipality of Zemětice. It is located on a field road between Čelákovy and Chalupy. To reach the tower, take the road from Zemětice towards Chalupy; parking is available about 100 m from the tower. The two distances refer to different points: 400 m is the distance to the settlement of Chalupy, while about 100 m is the distance from the parking area to the tower.

The tower is accessible by prior telephone arrangement. Bear this requirement in mind when planning and arrange your visit by phone in advance. Planning a visit to the observation tower is therefore different from checking the seasonal schedule of music events: the tower requires a prior arrangement, while the events depend on the right date.

Discover more destinations: Letiny, Sedliště Nad Úslavou, Přestavlky U Dnešic, Předenice, Zdemyslice, Robčice, Nezdřev, Stod.

Return to the regional travel guide: Plzeň-Jih.