Milevsko, Květov

… all roads lead to Budějovice, a circumstance of which the good solider Schweik was fully persuaded, when instead of the region of Budějovice, he beheld a village in the vicinity of Milevsko. But Schweik kept trudging on in a westerly direction and on the road between Květov and Vráž he met an old woman who was returning from church…

How to reach Milevsko from Písek

By car:

• I/29 direction Tábor, in Křenovice turn left and take the III/10555, in Veselíčko take the II/105 (28 km)

By bus:

• from the main bus station in Písek, there are several buses on weekdays only

By train:

• line no. 201, daily connection

By bike:

• Sedláčkova Path 1225, before you get to Plynová lávka turn right and take the 1151 to Vrcovice, continue along the 1149, below the Zvíkov Podhradí turn right onto the 31 to Květov, in Rukávečská obora by the Tyrolský House turn left onto the 1152
  

Things to do

• When in Milevsko, do not forget to visit the Premonstratensian Cloister. This historical place founded in 1187 by an important magnate, George, has a truly magical atmosphere. The three nave basilica has a two-tower façade and the cloistered convent is one of the most significant historical landmarks of South Bohemia. The architecture of the cloisters combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. During the course of the 19th and 20th centuries the buildings deteriorated rapidly but since the beginning of the 1990s a reconstruction process has been under way. Archaeological research revealed that the foundations of the buildings were even older than 1187. The Milevsko Cloister is a unique place evoking the mystic atmosphere of ancient times. Like the Strahov Cloister in Prague, the Cloister is run by the Order of Premonstratensians. This ancient order has restored the Milevsko Cloister to its former beauty and the place has become a spiritual oasis again.
• You might like to visit the regional museum situated in the first courtyard the cloister complex. The museum exhibition presents the history of the town and cloister. One can admire pottery from a local inn, the development of book printing, a baroque parlour from a burgher' s house, and a pink silk dress worn by the famous Siamese twins, the Blažeks. Apart from this permanent exhibition, the museum presents a number of temporary exhibitions on various themes. www.muzeumvmilevsku.cz
• On the way to Květov ask in the nearby village of Branice for the unique exhibition called ´Prohledáriu Vejrovského Zemanství´(Exploring the past of the crofters of Vejrov). A group of local enthusiasts in this village, which is on the Ražice - Tábor railway line, put together a wonderfully different exhibition. Our great-grandmothers' belongings are there to be touched and admired; there is also a map of the greatest treasures in the neighbourhood and an amusing corner of ´facts turned on their heads´. Make an arrangement on + 420 732 478 110 for the ´Prohledárium´ (´Exploratorium´) to be opened when you are there. Or take a walk along the Vejrovské zemanství trail which starts right by the train station. www.vejrov.wz.cz
• The village of Květov is a stone's throw from Branice. The journey takes you through a deep forest with the Květovská game reservation, also known as Rukávečská (the name depends on which direction you are coming from - it's a matter of local South Bohemian pride.). Wild pigs and other animals are bred in the preserve, and all this is a part of the Schwarzenberg estate. The Tyrolean house is worth special attention.
• On the edge of the village of Květov, on the left slope, there is a small cellar. This is where Schweik allegedly spent a night on his travels, and grandma Vítková from across the road brought him a hot potato to warm him and help him gather strength for his journey. The village of Květov boasts several houses built in the style known as peasant baroque.

Schweik's Recommendations

• The Heavenly Gardens. This name will evoke diverse things in different people. Schweik´s interpretation of heavenly gardens can be found in the Milevsko cloister - just ask the pretty lady guide.
• The biggest milk vending machine in the region can be found right in the centre of the town. Milk might only be for babies, but this farm-fresh milk is liked by all (gift bottles can be bought at the vending machine).
• Is someone in your family bored by Milevsko? No problem, the 3D cinema will take care of it. Ask for directions in the newly opened Infocentre on Husovo Square.
• Schweik got his hot potato in Květov; it could either have been hot potato soup or a savoury pie made of potato, smoked meat and poppy seeds. We will never know now. But not to worry as both of these can be tasted in the hotel below Zvíkov castle, just follow the signs again.
• Apparently, a footprint of Schweik´s boot is preserved in the village of Květov. No one has yet seen it, it is still to be discovered.

Infocentrum Milevsko

Husovo náměstí 391, CZ-39901
E-mail: infocentrum@milevsko-mesto.cz
Telefon: +420 383 809 101
www.milevskymkrajem.cz

File date: 5.11.2010