Sedlec: Historic Blata Villages and Distinctive Village Landscapes

Sedlec is one of nine historic Blata villages in the Zbudovské Blata area. Prehistoric settlement traces, church and cemetery complexes, and the folk architecture of the surrounding villages give the area several cultural and historical focal points. In addition, cycling routes connect Plástovice, Malé Chrášťany, and other places in different directions. This creates a destination where architectural heritage, archaeology, and rural paths can be combined in a variety of ways for excursions.

Historic Village Landscapes and Distinctive Buildings

The region’s architectural heritage is particularly evident in Plástovice. The village was designated a village heritage reservation in 1995 and is considered one of the most valuable and best-known ensembles of folk architecture in Bohemia. Large farmsteads are arranged around a partly south-facing, T-shaped village square. Richly decorated folk architecture from the 1850s and 1860s characterizes this village landscape. The Chapel of the Holy Trinity has stood at the center since 1840. The square, the farmsteads, and the chapel thus form a clear cultural and historical focal point.

Sedlec itself also preserves traces of different eras. The prehistoric settlement is considered the first of its kind in the České Budějovice Basin; the recorded ground plans of the huts are also regarded as unique. Beside it stands the Church of Saint John of Nepomuk, built in the Neo-Gothic style and consecrated in 1868. In Sedlec, archaeological evidence and a nineteenth-century religious building therefore meet directly.

The cemetery in Sedlec is located on the site of a former fortress, of which only stone terraces remain. A substantial moat surrounds the cemetery. Outside the village, by the Soudný stream in the direction of Zbudov, stands the building of the extensive Čalounů Mill. The stone terraces and the moat characterize the cemetery, while the mill, situated by the stream outside the village, has a different spatial setting.

Cycling Routes and Further Orientation

Plástovice lies at the intersection of two important cycling routes. One route leads from Zbudov via Vlhlavy farther south, while the other runs from Netolice to Zliv. In addition, Cycle Route 1083 passes through Malé Chrášťany between Plástovice and Břehov. The routes lead in different directions and allow you to choose according to your desired destination: the connection via Zbudov and Vlhlavy has a different focus from the ride between Netolice and Zliv.

Malé Chrášťany is a village heritage reservation with preserved farmsteads. A scheduled bus service from České Budějovice to Sedlec continues as far as Malé Chrášťany. When choosing a place to stay, you can therefore consider whether the village ensembles or the connection between several places by bicycle should take priority. The bus service adds another travel option between České Budějovice, Sedlec, and Malé Chrášťany.

For further research, you can also find Včelná, Pasinovice, Holasovice, Sitzkreis, Slavče, Hosín, Ledenice, and Dubiken.

For the higher-level travel overview: České Budějovice District.