Bernartice u Milevska – Churches and Cultural History
Accommodation in Bernartice U Milevska
Bernartice u Milevska is a destination for travelers who want to focus on architectural history and local culture. In the historic town center stands St. Martin’s Church, with preserved Romanesque elements and later Baroque alterations. The square’s Baroque rectory, formerly used as a Jesuit residence, and a relocated stone fountain recall different chapters of the past. Hravé peklo in the Hus Chapel complements the churches with an exhibition about hell and fairy tales. A pilgrimage takes place at St. Rosalia’s Church every July; a regional circular cycling route also passes through Bernartice and includes both churches.
St. Martin’s Church: Romanesque Traces and Later Building Phases
In the historic town center stands St. Martin’s Church, with a preserved Romanesque tower and preserved sections of the nave. When the Bernartice parish was first documented in 1251, the church was already a Romanesque church. St. Martin’s Church was later remodeled in the Baroque style. The Romanesque remains and Baroque alterations make it possible to recognize several periods in the history of the same church.
On the Square: The Rectory and Fountain
Two more historical connections come together on Bernartice’s square. The Baroque rectory was formerly a Jesuit residence; the stone fountain was moved there from nearby Dobronice Castle in 1776. Two different things therefore stand side by side in the town’s history: a building’s former use and a fountain’s origin. The town’s historical connections span the period from the parish’s first documentation in 1251 to the fountain’s relocation in 1776.
Hravé peklo in the Hus Chapel
The Hus Chapel houses Hravé peklo, an exhibition about hell and fairy tales. Visitors can see the exhibition all year round; check the current opening hours before your visit, as seasonal opening details may change. Hravé peklo also has a museum exhibition about the making of pipe stems. This woodturning craft was introduced in Bohemia specifically in Bernartice. Fairy-tale themes and the history of craftsmanship offer two different ways to explore the exhibition.
Pilgrimage, Competition, and Cycling Route
A pilgrimage takes place at St. Rosalia’s Church every July. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the exact date in advance. The Bernartický sekáč is a scythe-mowing competition; its 13th edition drew 31 participants. The competition adds a different event focus to the pilgrimage. A regional circular cycling route passes through Bernartice, includes St. Martin’s Church and St. Rosalia’s Church, and returns to Bernartice. The two options are clearly different for planning purposes: the pilgrimage takes place annually in July, while the cycling route links both churches on a loop that returns to Bernartice.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Paseky, Sepekov, Kestřany, Mišovice, Vrcovice, Nevězice, Zběšičky, Předotice
Return to the overview of the region: PĂsek District.
