Pleše – historic villagescape, Chlum and cycling route

Pleše combines an unusually well-preserved historic villagescape with its elevated location on Chlum and several distinctive experiences. This makes the village suitable for visitors who want to combine history, landscapes and active pursuits on a trip through the Czech Republic. The range extends from a ring-shaped village layout and sacred historical evidence to scenery and sport.

Historic Villagescape and Chapel

The centre of Pleše comprises a unique ring-shaped village green with a group of original farmhouses. This cohesive historic villagescape has been preserved and is valued, giving the village a clearly recognisable character of its own. The village green and farmhouses form an ensemble that makes the centre an illustrative starting point for exploring the region’s rural architecture. The ring-shaped layout can be directly associated with the preserved buildings as a distinctive village structure.

Another historical focal point is the Chapel of St John and Paul. An organ was acquired for it in 1826. The chapel also contains a historic bell with an Old Czech inscription dating from 1560. The organ and bell thus represent different periods in the local sacred history. The dates mark two distinct historical points of reference within the same building and add specific cultural details to the villagescape.

Chlum and the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area

Pleše lies on the south-eastern slope of the 514-metre-high Chlum hill. Its elevated location offers views over the surrounding lowland landscape of the Jindřichův Hradec area. Those who wish to give greater weight to the landscape experience when planning their trip will find a specific contrast to the historic village centre here: the remains of a former military observation post are still visible on Chlum. Thus, open views and visible traces of earlier use meet the preserved village structure in Pleše.

Pleše also lies on the edge of the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area. This location adds a landscape focus to the village’s history without limiting the village to a single travel experience. A description of Pleše therefore includes both the built-up centre and the protected landscape at its edge.

Model Flying and Cycling

The Pleše model flying site is located near Kardašova Řečice. The public model flying event “Kapr v luftě” was held there for the 18th time. Visitors could see a broad range of model aircraft in various categories and sizes. The event also included a competition with non-cash prizes. The combination of different model types and sizes and the competition provided several technical and sporting points of interest. This venue therefore offers an independent thematic point of interest for those interested in technology and model aircraft.

Pleše is also directly included in a cycling tour: a more challenging cycle tour from Třeboň to the Renaissance château of Červená Lhota passes through the village. The route connects Třeboň and Červená Lhota and makes Pleše a section of a longer cycling tour, without requiring a separate route length or travel time. Classifying it as a more challenging tour is relevant for personal day planning and identifies the cycle route as a sporty way to travel through the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations

For your further search, you can also visit Dačice, Březina U Deštné, Clunek, Hatín, Horní Skrýchov, Příbraz, Staňkov U Třeboně and Ratiboř U Jindřichova Hradce.

To the higher-level travel overview: Jindřichův Hradec District.