Discover Nahorany

Visitors planning a stay in Nahořany can explore the village through several distinct themes: its small village square of medieval origin, an ensemble of traditional folk architecture, historical events and a local custom. Nahořany lies five kilometres south of Čestice. A sauna house by a water reservoir is another local point of interest. You can plan your trip around cultural history, a seasonal tradition, or communal sauna sessions and cold-water bathing.

Local History from the Middle Ages to the Early Modern Period

The first records of Nahořany date back to the 14th century. In 1315, Eliška Přemyslovna granted the inhabitants significant privileges for guarding the royal forests. The village’s connection to the royal forests is therefore one of the specific early themes in its history.

In 1629, peasants led by the village reeve of Nahořany resisted the re-Catholicisation taking place around Čestice.

For three years, the peasant army from Nahořany controlled the entire region and fought several minor skirmishes. These details also place the village’s history in a regional context: the story extends beyond the village to events across the region.

Village Square and Folk Architecture

Nahořany is a well-preserved settlement in the foothills of the Šumava. Its small village square dates back to medieval times. The folk architecture ensemble includes masonry buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as a chapel from the 19th century. The square’s medieval origins thus sit alongside the later construction dates of the buildings.

The village square also appears in the films Trhák and Princezna ze mlejna. This cultural reference adds a film connection to the square and its architectural ensemble.

The Living Nativity and the Christmas Tradition

The Živý betlém in Nahořany is an interactive, music-filled performance held on Christmas Eve, involving the audience. After the performance, cast members and spectators meet in the chapel to sing Christmas carols together. The tradition therefore includes both the performance and the singing that follows.

If you would like to plan your trip around this custom, check the dates and whether participation is possible in advance. Exact dates and participation arrangements may change.

Sauna House and Cold-Water Bathing at (S)Močidlo

(S)Močidlo includes a sauna house by a well-maintained water reservoir. Communal sauna sessions and cold-water bathing take place there approximately every two to three days. This gives the area a different focus for a stay alongside its historical features. The approximate frequency can help you plan, but check the current schedule before visiting, as dates may change.

Getting There

When travelling from Volyně to Čestice, turn right at Nahořany and follow a paved road for about ten kilometres to Čestice. Road conditions may change, so check the current route before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Chobot, Svinetice, Čečelovice, Paračov, Hoštice, Přešťovice, Kraselov, Měkynec.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Strakonice.