Sudkuv Dul: Tvrz and Josafatské Valley

Sudkův Důl combines a remarkable historic complex with a landscape unfolding along the Bělá. At its centre is Tvrz Sudkův Důl, complemented by the Chapel of the Virgin Mary and the Josafatské Valley. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between different focuses, from cultural and historical discovery to a stay in a wooded valley landscape. A Chapel of the Virgin Mary dating from around 1800 stands in the village square. An iron cross stands in front of the chapel.

Tvrz Sudkův Důl and its history

Tvrz Sudkův Důl is a late Gothic tower fortress dating from around the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. Its late Gothic tower was later converted into a granary and subsequently preserved without significant structural alterations. This development is precisely what makes the complex interesting: its present form preserves not only a medieval architectural element but also a later history of use. Together with its farmyard, the Tvrz forms a uniquely preserved ensemble of buildings and archaeological finds. It illustrates the typical development of a lower noble residence from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. This gives visitors a concrete insight into how a historic aristocratic residence changed over several periods, rather than showing only a single architectural detail. The complex also includes a stable building erected in 1867, which was converted into a cidery in 2016. Cidrerie Utopia is located in an adjoining farm building belonging to the Tvrz Sudkův Důl complex.

Josafatské Valley: wooded slopes and the Bělá

The Josafatské Valley extends for approximately 8 km along the Bělá and connects the localities of Sudkův Důl, Bezděčín and Údolí. The most interesting section lies between Nové Dvory and Sudkův Důl and is approximately 4 km long. The wooded slopes offer an abundance of wild forest produce. The herb layer contains numerous protected plants, particularly the cowslip. Those who choose accommodation based not only on a cultural destination but also on the character of the surroundings will therefore find in Sudkův Důl a clear contrast between the historic complex and the nature-oriented valley landscape. The specific landscape details also make clear that the Josafatské Valley is an independent part of the destination and should not be understood merely as a backdrop to the Tvrz.

Visits by prior arrangement

Tvrz Sudkův Důl can be visited free of charge by prior arrangement. Cidrerie Utopia can also be visited by prior arrangement. This arrangement is essential when planning a stay: both destinations can be included as specific reasons to visit, but each visit requires prior arrangement. This means the historic complex also remains of interest to travellers who do not wish to devote their stay solely to walks in the valley.

Other places to research

For further searches, Vyskytná, Dobrá Voda, Mezná U Pelhřimova, Želiv, Pošná, Rynárec, Křeč and Rovná U Hořepníku are also available for your research.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Pelhřimov.