The protected village of Holašovice was added to UNESCO’s list of world cultural heritage sites in 1998. Holašovice has an extraordinarily well-preserved historical village green with a symmetrical, medieval layout and numerous examples of brick-built rural structures dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. It represents a unique example of the so-called South Bohemian folk Baroque style in Europe.
The landscape of South Bohemia has been cultivated since medieval times, proof of which is the local system of manmade lakes fed by the 40km-long ‘Golden Channel’. Modern civilisation has had only a limited affect on South Bohemia meaning that visitors have a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history of local towns, castles, chateaux and monasteries. Many South Bohemian towns and villages are testament to the skill and artistic finesse of often anonymous craftsmen. Their beauty is well known outside the Czech Republic thanks to one village which represents a
completely unique way of building rural structures – the village of Holašovice. This South Bohemian village, first established in the 13th century, is regarded as the best example of folk Baroque architecture in the region. Some 20 buildings in total stand grouped
around a pond in the middle of the village green, many with decorated Baroque gables and concealing large gardens. The look of the village changed dramatically in the late 19th century when many of the facades and gateways were rebuilt in the folk Baroque style. The entire village green is now a unique example of this style of architecture.
The layout and spacing of the individual buildings is a unique and almost unaltered example of medieval village planning from the early 13th century lucky enough to avoid later changes which would have spoilt the intended affect. The development of the village shows remarkable stability – some 17 buildings have remained intact practically since the village was established. The large open space of the green has changed only slightly, and, it can be said, for the better. In the 19th century the smithy was given its current appearance, and on the north side the Baroque Chapel of St John of Nepomuk was added in 1755. A stone cross was added in front of the chapel in 1935. The green is enclosed on all sides by four rows of façades at right angles to each other which shows intentional planning, and that the buildings were constructed with a definite number of people in mind.
Holašovice isn’t just a unique example of well-preserved and historically valuable town planning, but a village with a living rural tradition, as we know it from the most famous Czech opera, ‘The Bartered Bride’, for example (the village appeared in the film version
of the opera). This traditional backdrop plays host to a two-day folk event called the Rural Celebrations. This is based around a medieval market showcasing traditional and less usual arts and crafts from around the Czech Republic and featuring a programme of cultural events. Demonstrations of original folk arts and crafts are particularly popular. Visitors can choose from a rich array of goods produced by around 250 artists and craftsmen, including lace, woven clothing, leather goods and wicker items, and can admire the
skill of wood carvers, knife makers, coin strikers, blacksmiths, potters and many others.
Holašovice is situated 15km west of České Budějovice.