Řenče – Culture and Trails around Čertovo břemeno

Řenče combines sacred architectural history, preserved traditional buildings and unique discoveries in the surrounding area. Those wishing to combine culture with walks, viewpoints and regional traditions during their stay will find several different points of interest here – from the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius to the historical traces at Čertovo břemeno.

Church and Historic Buildings in Řenče

The Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Řenče was built between 1869 and 1878 in the Neo-Romanesque style. Its period of construction makes it a tangible testimony to the architectural history of the village. There is also a noteworthy detail inside: The organ was designated for restoration because experts considered it highly valuable. However, the restoration status remains clear: this does not mean that restoration has been completed.

Another historical trace is the former fortress in Řenče. It was later converted into a granary and is registered as an immovable cultural monument and an archaeological site. Two wings and a fragment of the courtyard wall remain from the original three-winged Renaissance structure. This transformation is precisely what distinguishes the complex from an unchanged Renaissance building: both the preserved structural elements and its later history of use are visible. The preserved traditional buildings in Řenče also include a well-maintained log house with a stone enclosure around the courtyard.

Trails, Views and Historical Traces in the Surrounding Area

The area around Řenče offers further themes for a trip. The viewing platform of Rozhledna Kožich is 20 metres above the ground. Kožich is also a station on the Čertovo břemeno educational trail. Thus, the viewpoint and the Čertovo břemeno educational trail come together here, without this implying any particular accessibility or a designated circular route.

Events are also part of the village's history. The Řenče Volunteer Fire Brigade has organised pilgrimage days at the Řenče sports complex since 2006. In addition, the annual night march Putování za Bílou paní Řenečskou ends at Knížská skála in the vicinity of Řenče. Those interested in already documented dates should note that pilgrimage masses in honour of Saints Cyril and Methodius were held in Řenče on 5 July 2023 and 5 July 2026. These dates describe past events and do not constitute a statement about a future schedule of events.

Čertovo břemeno between Nature and Archaeology

Bronze finds dating from the transition between the Middle and Late Bronze Age were discovered on the ridge of Čertovo břemeno. Slavic graves from the 9th and 10th centuries were also discovered below the southern slope of Čertovo břemeno. Those who are interested not only in the landscape but also in the chronological depth of a place will therefore find a connection here between trails, views and archaeological traces.

For further research into places within the same selection, you can also view Vlčtejn, Týniště, Borovno, Louňová, Klášter, Soběkury, Předenice and Mileč.

For the higher-level travel overview: Plzeň-Jih.