Rataje Nad Sázavou-Malovidy: Castle, Museum and Trails

Rataje Nad Sázavou-Malovidy is a destination for travelers who want to combine historic buildings with clearly defined cultural and route ideas. The main attractions are Rataje nad Sázavou Castle, Pirkštejn Castle, a museum with a distinctive theme, and trails through the landscape. This makes it possible to structure a stay around history, a drinks break, a cycling route and a hike, while each stop retains its own character.

Rataje Castle: Renaissance, Local History and Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Rataje nad Sázavou Castle is a Renaissance chateau that was converted from a High Gothic castle in the 16th century. The museum in the chateau features a permanent exhibition on the historical and architectural development of Rataje, including the development of settlement and an archaeological section. In addition, the museum in Rataje Castle includes an exhibition on Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Local history, architectural history and a theme from the world of the well-known game thus come together at a single site.

The Chateau Schenk is also part of the castle complex. It is located on the ground floor of the castle's north wing and offers hot and cold drinks as well as comfortable non-smoking seating. Another historic feature in Rataje nad Sázavou is the filial Church of St. Matthew. It was newly built and consecrated on September 21, 1691. These different facets make the cultural character of the town varied: the development of a settlement is followed by a look at an archaeological subject, while Renaissance architecture is complemented by a sacred building with a precisely dated consecration.

Pirkštejn Castle and Historical Events

Pirkštejn Castle was founded in the 14th century by Jindřich z Lipé on a rocky promontory above the Sázava. Tourist trails pass by the castle; at the same time, it is open to the public only occasionally. This distinction is important when planning: the castle is a prominent historic site and part of exploring the area, but a visit should not be assumed to be possible at any time.

Various musical performances and poetry celebrations take place at Pirkštejn. Tomáš Jamník's Chamber Music Academy regularly holds classical concerts there. In this way, a cultural events program complements the site's medieval history, without Pirkštejn having to be viewed merely as a single building.

Cycling, a Pilgrimage Trail and a Themed Route

Several routes give a stay an active focus. The Cyrilometodějská stezka Blaník–Říp pilgrimage trail leads from Rataje Castle down to the Sázava. For cyclists, the approximately 30-kilometer Cycle Route 3/C is of interest: it leads from Sázava via Talmberk and Rataje nad Sázavou, as well as other places, back to Sázava.

Another option is the “In the Footsteps of Henry from Kingdom Come: Deliverance” route. It starts in Rataje nad Sázavou and ends in Sázava, is 14 kilometers long and takes approximately 4.5 hours. The approximately 30 kilometers of Cycle Route 3/C and the 14 kilometers of the themed route therefore offer two clearly different scales for planning a day. In addition, the pilgrimage trail connects the castle with the Sázava and creates its own focus between culture and activity.

Getting There and Further Destinations

Rataje nad Sázavou can be reached by bus and train; connections can be found in the IDOS timetable system. If you would like to compare further destinations in addition to Rataje Nad Sázavou-Malovidy, also consider Suchdol, Zbýšov, Drobovice, Nové Dvory U Kutné Hory, Staňkovice, Podveky, Chabeřice and Horky for further searches.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kutná Hora District.