Zemětice – Village Green, River and Traces of History

Zemětice between the Riverside and the Village Green

Zemětice reveals its character through manageable yet distinctive details: The village lies on the banks of the Merklínka River, while the village green is lined with mature chestnut and lime trees. Several farmsteads around the green have vaulted gateways. The village green is also home to a Neoclassical Chapel of St Lawrence dating from 1822. Here, the village scene, landscape and architectural history come together directly in the same surroundings.

For families and other travellers who enjoy discovering specific features on holiday, Zemětice therefore offers several points of interest: the river by the village, the established layout of the village green and individual historical reminders that are not limited to a single large structure.

Archaeological Traces and Historical Monuments

The first written mention of Zemětice dates from 1115. Another historical layer is represented by the Zemětice archaeological site within the built-up area of the village. It is dated to the period from the Middle Ages to the modern era, as well as to the transition from the late Middle Ages to the modern era. For visitors exploring the village, this means that history appears here not only as a date but also as part of today’s settlement area.

Among the smaller, independent monuments is the Zemětice reconciliation cross. The monolithic stone is approximately 70 cm high. Another chapel, dating from 1855, stands at Mlýnský rybník. Together with the Chapel of St Lawrence, the vaulted farmyard gateways and the old trees, these features create a village scene with different historical layers.

Ponds, a Mill and Summertime Experiences

Below the village lie a pond and a former mill. The adjective “former” explicitly refers to the mill; this is not a description of its current operation. Drahovský rybník lies northeast of Zemětice. Another body of water, Dražský rybník, provides an area uphill for summer music events on an open-air dance floor.

Drahovák is now used as a natural swimming pool. It has a sandy bottom and a clean inflow from a forest spring. In addition to the village’s riverside location, this provides various connections with water: the Merklínka River by the village, ponds in the surrounding area and a place explicitly used as a natural swimming pool.

Chalupská Štěpánka Observation Tower

A special destination in the municipality is the Chalupská Štěpánka Observation Tower. It stands alone on a gentle hill, 400 m from the settlement of Chalupy in the municipality of Zemětice. The tower is located on a field track between Čelákovy and Chalupy. For your visit, it is important to note that the observation tower is accessible by prior telephone arrangement.

To reach the observation tower, take the road from Zemětice towards Chalupy. Parking is possible approximately 100 m from the tower. The combination of its precise location, prior telephone arrangement and the described parking option makes the tower a destination that you can include in your day’s planning with advance contact.

More Destinations from the Same Higher-Level Selection

If you would like to consider other places from the same higher-level selection in addition to Zemětice, you will find Horšice Horšice, Skašov Skašov, Chlumy Chlumy, Blovice Blovice, Robčice Robčice, Přeštice Přeštice, Útušice Útušice and Dvorec Dvorec here.

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