Všekary: Chapel, Archaeology and Mining History

Všekary is a destination for visitors interested in architectural history, archaeology and historical traces of ore mining. Its heritage ranges from Bronze Age burial mound fields and a late Baroque chapel to mining traces in the forests around Všekary and near St. Barbara’s Church. These bring together different themes without belonging to a single historical period. If you are choosing a destination for a culturally focused stay, you can compare different periods and types of historical evidence in Všekary. One geographical landmark lies west of the town: St. Barbara’s Church is about one kilometre from Všekary.

St. Barbara’s Church and Mining History

The archaeological site at St. Barbara’s Church includes a church, a mining complex and a mine. This brings the religious building and mining evidence together in the archaeological focus. Mining traces dating from the late 19th century are known in the area around the church and are associated with the Barbořin vrch mine; an earlier origin is possible. Traces of lead and zinc ore extraction have also been preserved in the forests around Všekary. The types of ore are specified for the forest traces, while the dating and possible earlier origin are the focus for the traces near the church.

Chapel and Historical Evidence

The late Baroque Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk stands beside Všekary’s former school. It was built in the first half of the 18th century, during the reign of Maria Theresa. The term “late Baroque” identifies the architectural style; the reference to the first half of the 18th century specifies the period of construction. A Gothic statue of the Madonna dating from the 15th century was also once housed in the chapel in Všekary. This historical feature adds an older work of art to the building’s history. The dedication to St. John of Nepomuk and the location beside the former school provide further specific details for understanding the chapel.

Burial mound fields dating from the Middle and Late Bronze Age have been preserved in Všekary and the surrounding area. They are associated with a typical cremation burial rite. The dating defines the period of these archaeological remains, while the reference to cremation describes the burial practice. Alongside the buildings and mining traces, early burial practices thus offer another distinct way to explore the history of the area.

Hiking Route and Digital Resource

The green-marked KČT hiking route leads to Všekary and connects to a blue-marked route leading to Hradišťany or Hradec u Stoda. If you would also like to include a marked hiking route in your travel plans, the colours and named destinations provide specific points of reference. The route page was last updated in 2021; check the current waymarking before setting out. The virtual exhibition “Galerie Sv. Barbory” is a possible digital addition. If you would like to use it, check in advance whether it is currently accessible.

Discover more destinations: Kolovec, Spáňov, Rybník, Újezd U Domažlic, Mutěnín, Kdyne, Bezděkovské Předměstí, Babylon.

See the wider travel overview: Okres Domažlice.