PLÁNICE | Venkov 21 - Pošumaví

Hills, valleys, streams, woods and meadows, the lustrous surface of lakes, small villages with its churches, this is the Plánice region. It is situated I the rolling foothills of Šumava mountains. Although it lies the shadow of Šumava, it is interesting for the lovers of culture, history and nature, but also for the sport seekers, or for just relaxing holiday by the lakes. Beautiful views of Šumava and mountain range Brdy will be the reward for those reaching the top of the hills.

Crystal clear air, beautiful scenery, two campsites (Hnačov and Valcha), the availability of Bed and Breakfest accommodation and increasing standard of service make the Plánice region a natural tourist centre.

Historically the town of Plánice, which is first mentioned in the year 1144 in the connection with the Cistercian Cloister in Nepomuk, had many owners from the Czech aristocracy – Švanbergs, Šternbergs, Rožmitals and Martinics. At the beginning of 18^th century one of the Martinics, Adolf Branald commissioned architect K. I. Dienzenhofer to design a pilgrimage church in memory of the Birth of Virgin Mary and had it built in 1717 – 1726 in the hamlet of Nicov, 2 km east of Plánice. Splendid central basilica with its two front towers, dome and churches. Nearby is a small well with radioactive water, which is shrouded in mystery of many miraculous healings.

The Baroque church of St. Blažej, originally in Gothic style, interesting architecturally and historically, together with the Plague Column toppled with Corinth style canopy and with the statues of Holiest Trinity, dates from the beginning of the 18^th century and is located in the eastern section of Plánice square.

On the northern fringe of Plánice, in the direction of Kvasetice, can be found stone Conciliatory Cross commemorating the years after the Thirty Years War. The town Plánice has rich culture traditions and is a birth place for many distinguished personalities in the field of art and science.

One of the foremost citizens of Plánice was the inventor and businessman František Křižík, the pioneer of electrification, inventor of Arc lamp, author of the first electric tram in Prague and the first electric railway in Europe. Museum of František Křižík is located in his birth place and commemorates his life and work.