Plandry: Discover Pilgrimage, Silver Mining and Nature

Plandry brings together Baroque pilgrimage architecture, visible traces of medieval silver mining and a landscape with distinctive natural features in a compact area. This makes the town suitable for visitors who want to experience culture in connection with its surroundings. Between the chapel, historic waterways, hiking trail and riding stable, there are various ways to plan a stay in the Czech Republic.

Silver Mining, Water Channel and Smelting

Together with the mining and smelting complex, the Rantířovsko-Starohorský mining water channel is an important testament to the medieval extraction and processing of silver ore. Today, the channel appears in the terrain as a simple trench running along the slope of the Jihlava valley. This understated form makes it clear that historic technology is encountered here not only in buildings or exhibitions, but also as a trace in the landscape.

A smelting complex and a settlement of miners and ore processors were located in the valley of the Bělokamenský stream. A short section of the stream bed, approximately 10–15 m long, contains visible metallurgical slag, indicating waterwheel-powered smelting furnaces. Those interested in the history of the region will therefore find concrete evidence in Plandry of the connection between water, ore processing and early settlement.

A Pilgrimage Complex with an Unusual Ground Plan

Plandry is home to a Baroque pilgrimage complex with the Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk, built between 1735 and 1739. The complex was laid out on the symbolic ground plan of a Star of Saint John. At its center stands the square chapel, surrounded by an enclosing wall with five niche chapels. This clear, symmetrical layout distinguishes the site from an ordinary village chapel and gives a visit a cultural and historical focus.

The documented access rules are important for visits: the Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk is accessible during the pilgrimage. Organized groups can visit it by prior telephone arrangement. This allows a visit to be prepared differently depending on the form of travel, without assuming that it is generally open every day.

Hiking, Horse Riding and Regional Traditions

The 35.5 km Okrouhlík–Rantířov–Hornická educational trail passes through Plandry. The route is classified as very demanding and has an elevation gain of 515 m. These details give the trail a clearly athletic character and help distinguish it from a short walk around the town. Those who include this route in their travel plans will also find a connection between the places along the route and the region’s mining history.

The Zámecká stáj Plandry offers another way to experience the surrounding area. It provides English riding, riding lessons for adult beginners and advanced riders, trail rides, a riding school and a pony school. In addition, the traditional Dýňobraní pumpkin harvest festival takes place at Zámecká stáj Plandry. In this way, a recurring local custom adds a seasonal event to the activities centered around horses and riding.

Natural Area between Plandry and Rantířov

The Zaječí skok nature reserve lies between Plandry and Rantířov and is a nearby natural attraction. Thermophilous vegetation grows there. This natural aspect provides a distinct counterpoint to the cooler-feeling themes of mining, the water channel and smelting: visitors who want to combine culture and landscape when choosing their activities can consider both perspectives around Plandry.

More Destinations for Your Travel Plans

You can also compare Čížov, Brtnička, Hostětice, Nadějov, Záborná, Zvolenovice, Vanov and Šimanov as additional destinations.

For the higher-level travel overview: Jihlava District.