Žáky: Castle, Windmill and Jordán Pond

Žáky brings together local history, two very different structures and a pond where specific rules apply to fishing. The castle and the Štrampouch windmill ruin can be understood through their architectural forms; at Jordán Pond, the practical question of the conditions for fishing takes precedence. If you are planning a stay, these differences can help you distinguish between suitable interests and necessary arrangements.

Žáky Castle: History and Architectural Design

Žáky was first mentioned in 1407 and remained the property of Sedlec Monastery until 1540. The two dates serve different purposes: 1407 marks the first mention of the village, while 1540 marks the end of Sedlec Monastery’s ownership. This provides a timeline for the village’s history without confusing its first mention with the period of ownership.

The castle is a massive, multi-storey building on a rectangular ground plan. A five-sided, four-storey tower stands at the northwest corner. When describing the complex, it helps to distinguish between the main building and the tower: the rectangular ground plan describes the main building, while the five-sided shape and four storeys belong to the tower. This keeps the ground plan and height details clearly attributed.

The west façade faces a park; a plaque bearing the year 1611 is located at the main entrance. The castle complex also includes a perimeter wall with gates. These details add distinct architectural points of reference to the main building: the façade’s orientation, the entrance area with the plaque, and the surrounding structures.

Štrampouch Windmill Ruin

The Štrampouch windmill ruin presents a different architectural feature. It stands on a hill in the northern part of the village. Its masonry is cylindrical; on the upper floor are two opposing windows whose arched tops have collapsed. The description therefore covers both the shape of the surviving masonry and specific details of the openings. In comparison with the castle, the cylindrical masonry is the focus here, while the castle is distinguished by its rectangular main building and five-sided tower.

Jordán Pond: Fishing Rules

At Jordán Pond, it is important to distinguish between the conditions for fishing and the rules that apply to the area on site. Fishing is permitted exclusively on a “catch and release” basis and only by prior arrangement with the operator. The arrangement concerns whether fishing is possible; the catch rule specifies how the catch must be handled. Visitors entering the area around the pond must also comply with the operating regulations and the operator’s instructions. Before planning a fishing trip, confirm the current arrangements and check the applicable rules so that you can take the local conditions into account in advance.

Getting Around the Road Corridor

Žáky and Štrampouch lie along the Čáslav–Zbýšov–Ledeč nad Sázavou road. This road name provides a regional reference point for orienting yourself between the two settlement names. When planning your trip, you can use the place names and the road corridor together, while the castle, windmill ruin and pond each offer a different focus for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Samopše, Vlastejovice, Čestín, Drobovice, Onomyšl, Kutná Hora, Tupadly, Zhor

For the main travel overview: Kutná Hora District.