Rakovice: Castle Complex, Chapels and the Alšova Trail

Rakovice can be explored through several distinct highlights: the castle complex in the park, protected monuments and the marked Alšova Trail. Depending on whether you are interested in the history of the estate, architectural details or a walking and mountain biking tour, you can focus on different things during your stay.

Castle Complex and Estate History

The Rakovice castle complex lies in the western part of the municipality; its buildings are set in a park. After the Rakovice estate was acquired in 1714, the castle temporarily became the seat of the estate administration. The Čimelicko-Rakovicko Landscape Conservation Area protects the cultural-historical, scenic and spatial values of the landscape around the castle and the farmyard in Rakovice. This makes it possible to view the complex both as a group of buildings and in the context of the protected cultural landscape.

Monuments in the Town

The Vintíř Monument stands on the road from Rakovice to Mirotice and is protected as a cultural monument. The stone sculpture takes the form of a tall triangular pyramid. The Rakovice granary is also protected as a cultural monument. The two monuments offer different perspectives on the built heritage: the sculpture foregrounds geometric form, while the granary represents a building type.

Chapels and Architectural Styles

The chapels also offer a varied picture of architectural history. A niche chapel in Rakovice, with a triangular gable and rich mouldings, was built in the 19th century. A chapel in Rakovice featuring Baroque elements was built in the second half of the 18th century and is a significant feature of the landscape. A niche chapel in Rakovice with Baroque design features was built around the mid-18th century; fragments of wall paintings have been preserved there. Near the road from Rakovice towards Pohoří stands a niche chapel beneath trees; it too is a significant feature of the landscape. The chapel near Slavkovická hora is classified as a cultural monument. When comparing the architecture, you can look at two things: the construction dates place the chapels in chronological order, while their triangular gables, mouldings, Baroque design features and fragments of wall paintings provide specific details of their design.

Walking and the Alšova Trail

The area around Rakovice is well suited to walking. The marked Alšova Trail is 12 km long and suitable for walkers and mountain bikers. It passes through the Rakovice section; sights mentioned there include the former castle and an avenue of ancient red oaks. The avenue of ancient red oaks runs from Rakovice to the castle park in Čimelice. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the full route and this section: 12 km refers to the Alšova Trail, while the former castle and the avenue of oaks are listed as sights in the Rakovice section.

Discover more destinations: Nová Ves U Protivína, Paseky, Cimelice, Přeštěnice, Sepekov, Myslín, Nevězice, Hrazany

For the broader travel overview: Okres Písek.