Veselá: Gothic Church and Forests

Veselá brings together a remarkable trace of church history, woodland scenery and local event traditions. The parish church of St. James the Greater stands in the town, and the surrounding forests invite you to take walks. Fishing competitions at the Jandovec pond are also part of the town’s history. When planning your trip, you can weigh up architectural history, time outdoors and a glimpse of local events.

The Parish Church of St. James the Greater

The church’s surviving Gothic stone form dates from the post-Hussite period, around the middle of the 15th century. As a cultural and historical monument, it is the main point of reference for anyone interested in Veselá’s architectural history. Its floor plan and the arrangement of its parts also give the church a distinct architectural character: the nave is almost square, with the tower adjoining it to the west and the chancel to the east. A sacristy was added to its north side in 1856.

The building’s parts belong to different phases of its architectural history: its Gothic stone form dates from the period after the Hussite Wars, while the sacristy was added later. Those interested in church architecture can therefore observe not just a single style, but also the spatial arrangement from the nave through the tower and chancel to the sacristy. A service as part of the Veselská pouť was held in the church on 30 July 2023 at 9:30 a.m. This is a dated event listing, not a current service schedule.

Routes and Woodland Walks

Veselá is surrounded by extensive forests, and the surrounding area also offers woodland walks. For a specific route, there is the Veselá–Houserovka tourist trail: it is 6 kilometres long and marked in yellow. The route connects Veselá and Houserovka and is named after actress Marie Kurandová. Check the current condition of the trail markings before setting off. Its stated length provides a basis for planning without specifying a walking time.

This gives you two distinct ways to explore the landscape: walks in the forests around Veselá and a named tourist trail between Veselá and Houserovka. If you would rather spend most of your time in the town, the parish church offers a cultural and historical focus; for outdoor excursions, you can consider the surrounding forests or include the route in your plans. No connection between the church and the route is implied.

Fishing Competitions and Local Events

The municipality traditionally held fishing competitions at the Jandovec pond. The tenth edition took place in 2011, and the 21st edition was held on 3 June 2023. At the 2011 competitions, visitors could enjoy dishes from the fish kitchen and plentiful refreshments. This food and drink was part of that event day. If you are planning a trip to Veselá specifically for a competition, check the event dates in advance.

Another event format was the Noční hra. It was held for the first time in eight years on 24 June 2023. Along a route with twelve stations, children tackled various tasks; more than 80 children took part in that edition. This describes the 2023 event, not a fixed future date. The fishing competitions and the Noční hra represent two different sides of the town’s event history: a competition at the pond and a station-based activity for children.

Planning an Overnight Stay in Veselá

A tourist accommodation facility operated by the municipality is listed as having 20 beds. Check its current operation and availability before travelling. For a wider search, you can also compare hotels in Veselá without inferring any particular hotel amenities from the local attractions.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Zhořec, Rodinov, Velký Rybník, Rynárec, Onšov, Chyšná, Mezná U Pelhřimova, Polesi.

Back to the regional travel overview: Okres Pelhřimov.