Happy TravellerWelcome to Benešov, a picturesque town located in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. With a population of approximately 16,000, Benešov is a charming destination known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. Here’s everything you need to know before you plan your trip to Benešov.
Administrative Parts:
Benešov is composed of several administrative parts, including Baba, Bedrč, Boušice, Buková Lhota, Červený Dvůr, Chvojen, Dlouhé Pole, Konopiště, Mariánovice, Okrouhlice, Pomněnice, Radíkovice, Úročnice, and Vidlákova Lhota.
Geography:
Benešov is situated approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) southeast of Prague and nestled in the Benešov Uplands on the Benešovský Stream. Visitors will appreciate the town’s proximity to the beautiful ponds of Konopišťský and Jarkovický, located in the western part of the territory.
History:
Benešov has a fascinating history that dates back to the 11th century when the first settlers arrived on Karlov Hill during the Přemyslid dynasty. The town’s first verified mention was from 1219-1222, although there are unverified mentions from 1048 and 1070. Benešov was once the seat of Lords of Benešov until 1317, when they moved to the nearby Konopiště Castle. The town’s economic boom occurred in the 15th and 16th centuries, thanks to its location on the trade route from Prague to Linz. The town became an important center of political negotiations, such as the 1451 and 1473 meetings of the Bohemian Diet. The town suffered during the Thirty Years War, but recovered and developed as a center of national rebirth for Slavic Bohemians after 1803. Benešov was an important garrison town during World War I and was evacuated temporarily during World War II as the SS-Truppenübungsplatz Böhmen of the Waffen SS was stationed here. Today, visitors can explore the town’s rich history through various museums and landmarks.
Demographics:
Transport:
The town is served by one railway station located on the Prague–České Budějovice railroad.
Sights:
Benešov is home to many significant monuments and landmarks, but the most notable is the Konopiště Castle. Built in 1294 as a copy of French fortresses, the castle was modified during the late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Visitors can also explore the Church of Saint Nicholas, the oldest preserved monument in Benešov, which was built in the early Gothic style in the second half of the 13th century. The former Priory college with the Church of Saint Anne is another important religious monument that was built at the beginning of the 18th century according to plans submitted by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Alliprandi. The town center is also worth a visit, with its Baroque and Art Nouveau houses and the architecturally awarded building of the new town hall.
Notable People:
Benešov has been home to many notable people, including composer and violinist Josef Suk (1874–1935), writer Karel Nový (1890–1980), Austrian princesses Sophie of Hohenberg (1901–1990) and Prince Ernst of Hohenberg (1904–1954), football player and manager Miroslav Beránek (born 1957), chemist Michal Hocek (born 1969), singer and actress Monika Absolonová (born 1976), athlete Jitka Bartoničková (born 1985), and pop singer Aneta Langerová (born 1986).
Twin Towns – Sister Cities:
Benešov is twinned with Partizánske, Slovakia, and Sainte-Agnès, France.
Plan your trip to Benešov today and experience the town’s rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty for yourself!
