Šebestěnice: Silver Mining, Village History and Visible Mines

Šebestěnice combines very old traces of silver mining with a stream that runs through two municipalities and visible mines south of the village. In the village, a branch church and a memorial to the victims of the First World War provide further cultural points of interest. Hiking trails outside the village are also important when planning a trip.

Key Facts about Šebestěnice

• The Šebestěnický potok flows through Šebestěnice and Chlum.
• Silver mining near Šebestěnice resumed around 1570; in 1572, Havel Šiška was appointed to manage a mine in the silver hills near Šebestěnice.
• Three mine workings are visible as traces of mining in the forest “Na šachtách,” south of the village. The southernmost depression is 6 m deep.
• A memorial to the victims of the First World War stands in the village centre; the branch church of Navštívení Panny Marie is also located in Šebestěnice.
• No marked hiking trail passes through the village. The nearest green hiking trail lies to the northeast and meets a yellow hiking trail and cycle route 0117 at the Rozcestí Pod Tisou skálou signpost.
• Villa Regina is a holiday home on the outskirts of Šebestěnice, in the Zbysov recreational area and by the Upper Klejnarka River.

Silver Mining: Old Traces and a Dated Event

Very old traces of silver mining have been documented in Šebestěnice. Silver mining near Šebestěnice resumed around 1570; in 1572, Havel Šiška was entrusted with managing a mine in the silver hills near Šebestěnice. The two dates refer to different things: around 1570 gives an approximate date for the resumption, while 1572 is the specific year of the appointment. This distinction helps set the long history of mining apart from one particular event in the 16th century.

Mining traces can also be seen in the landscape: three preserved mine workings lie in the forest “Na šachtách,” south of the village. The depth of 6 m applies to the southernmost depression, not all three. Thus, alongside the historical dates, visible traces are another tangible part of the village’s history.

The Stream, the Church and Memorials

The Šebestěnický potok flows through the municipalities of Šebestěnice and Chlum. Its course links two named municipalities, while other points of interest are located within the village itself. A memorial in the centre commemorates the victims of the First World War. The branch church of Navštívení Panny Marie is another cultural point of interest in Šebestěnice. If you are planning to attend a service, contact the parish for service information.

Hiking and a Dated Event

Šebestěnice is suitable for walks, but no marked hiking trail passes through the village itself. The nearest green hiking trail lies to the northeast. At the Rozcestí Pod Tisou skálou signpost, it meets a yellow hiking trail and cycle route 0117. The routes described are therefore outside the village; the signpost marks the point where the three routes meet. As route information may change, check it before setting out.

A specific date in the village’s more recent event history is 4 October 2025: another edition of the TFA competition took place in Šebestěnice that day, in cooperation with OSH Kutná Hora. The event was described as a test of courage and physical fitness. This date places the competition in context and offers another perspective on the village, distinct from its silver-mining history.

Holiday Home and Location

Villa Regina is a holiday home on the outskirts of Šebestěnice, in the Zbysov recreational area and by the Upper Klejnarka River. Check current availability for your preferred travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Kácov, Rohozec, Rataje Nad Sázavou, Vlkaneč, Zleby, Kluky, Tupadly, Mocovice.

Back to the regional travel guide: Okres Kutná Hora.