Sedlec – Archaeology and Village Architecture

Sedlec is one of nine historic Blata villages in the Zbudovské Blata area. Cultural themes of this trip include the prehistoric settlement in Sedlec, sacred architectural history, and the folk architecture of Plástovice and Malé Chrášťany. There are also several cycling routes and a described bus service. You can therefore plan your stay around your main interest: archaeological traces, village ensembles, or navigating by bike.

Archaeological traces and sacred buildings

The prehistoric settlement in Sedlec is considered the first of its kind in the Budějovice Basin; the recorded hut floor plans are also considered unique. This brings together regional significance and a specific archaeological detail. Sacred buildings include the Church of St. John of Nepomuk in Sedlec. It was built in the Neo-Gothic style and consecrated in 1868. In Plástovice, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity has stood in the centre of the village since 1840. The two dates are easy to distinguish: 1840 marks the chapel’s presence in the village centre, while 1868 is the year the church was consecrated. The cemetery in Sedlec is located on the site of a former fortress, of which only stone terraces remain. A massive moat surrounds the cemetery.

Village ensembles in Plástovice and Malé Chrášťany

Plástovice was designated a village conservation area in 1995 and is considered one of the most valuable and best-known folk architecture ensembles in Bohemia. The village preserves richly decorated folk architecture from the 1850s and 1860s. The large farmsteads are arranged around a T-shaped village square that is partly open to the south. The shape of the square and the arrangement of the farmsteads go together: the T-shape of the square defines the architectural character of the ensemble. Malé Chrášťany is also a village conservation area, where farmsteads have been preserved. In comparison with Plástovice, the conservation-area status and preserved farmsteads are the main features of Malé Chrášťany, while Plástovice is additionally characterized by the shape and orientation of its village square.

Cycling routes and getting there

Plástovice lies at the junction of two important cycling routes: one runs from Zbudov via Vlhlavy farther south, while the other runs from Netolice to Zliv. The routes thus differ in their stated starting points and directions. Cycle Route 1083 also passes through Malé Chrášťany, between Plástovice and Břehov. Distinguish between the junction of two routes in Plástovice and the described course of Cycle Route 1083 through Malé Chrášťany. Before setting out, check the signs on site, especially for Route 1083.

A bus service from České Budějovice to Sedlec runs as far as Malé Chrášťany. As timetables may change, check the connection before departure. Another architectural feature is the extensive Čalounů Mill building, outside the village on the Soudný Stream in the direction of Zbudov.

Discover more destinations: Veselka, Dubiken, Hermannsdorf, Branisovice, Mokrý Lom, Kolodeje Nad Luznici, Trebícko, Hartowitz

For the overarching travel overview: Okres České Budějovice.