Drhovice – Village History, Chapel and the Pilský Stream

Drhovice combines a historically shaped villagescape with waterways, a pond and traces of medieval ownership history. At its center is a spacious public area resembling a village square, dominated by the chapel. This village center provides a tangible starting point for viewing Drhovice not merely as a place to stay, but as an established settlement with a history of its own.

A Village with a Long History

Drhovice is one of the older Czech settlements. The village’s name probably goes back to its founder Druh or his followers. The name of the local landowner Volkmar von Druhovice is documented in written records from 1219. The written evidence of the village therefore reaches far back, although its history need not be reduced to a single landmark.

The ownership structure of the historic village was also divided: One part of Drhovice belonged to the Louňovice Monastery. Another part belonged to the Lords of Rožmberk and was connected with Příběničky Castle. The village of Malé Drhovice (Drhovičky) probably emerged from this estate around 1459. The village’s square-like center, Marian chapels and various ownership connections are all part of this history.

Water and Landscape around Drhovice

The Pilský Stream flows through Drhovice. Together with the Pilský Stream, Mlýnský Pond is described as the most significant body of water in the Drhovice landscape. The regional biocorridor RBK 315 Velká hora–Příběnice is also designated at the southwestern edge of the area. Thus, in addition to its historic village center, Drhovice includes the Pilský Stream flowing through the village, Mlýnský Pond and the regional biocorridor at the southwestern edge.

Cycling Route and Chapels

A recommended cycling route passes through Drhovice from the direction of Padařov toward Oltyně. At the same time, there is no marked cycle path running through the Drhovice area. This distinction is therefore important when choosing a route: The connection described passes through the village but does not replace a marked route within the area. Those planning their own route can regard Drhovice as a waypoint between Padařov and Oltyně.

The Chapel of the Name of the Virgin Mary is located on the left side of the road from Drhovice to Padařov and is occasionally accessible. Drhovice also has a Chapel of the Virgin Mary. The two Marian chapels represent different points of reference: the Chapel of the Name of the Virgin Mary lies on the road to Padařov, while the Chapel of the Virgin Mary is located in Drhovice. A Marian pilgrimage Mass was held in the Chapel of the Name of the Virgin Mary on September 8, 2024, and on September 14, 2025.

Those wishing to combine culture and nature can explore different focal points in Drhovice, including the chapels, local history, stream, pond and cycling route.

Further Places to Research

If you would like to continue your search beyond Drhovice, you can open these places individually: Dudov, Nová Ves U Chýnova, Psárov, Hajky, Pojbuky, Pojbuky-Blatnice, Horusice and Katov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Tábor District.