Holašovice (village)

Holašovice, part of the Jankov municipality, is a village 15 km (9 miles) west of České Budějovice. It is unique for its beautiful 18th and 19th century South Bohemian Folk Baroque style architecture. The buildings remain remarkably preserved. Holašovice was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1998.

Holašovice, part of the Jankov municipality, is a village 15 km (9 miles) west of České Budějovice. It is unique for its beautiful 18th and 19th century South Bohemian Folk Baroque style architecture. The buildings remain remarkably preserved.
The first mention of the village dates back to the 13th century. The bubonic plague wiped out most of the inhabitants, but settlers from Germany repopulated the village. The South Bohemian Folk Baroque architectonic style appeared in Holešovice between 1840 and 1880. It was a time of economical reforms and prosperity. Villagers became wealthier and started building more opulent houses for themselves. The village's ground plan dating from the Middle Ages remained unchanged despite all of the architectural changes, which makes Holašovice all that more special. Holašovice was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1998.

The historical part of the village consists of a square with a little pond surrounded by 23 farmsteads, gardens, a small chapel, a blacksmith's shop, a pub and other attached farm buildings like stables, sheds and barns. Holašovice hosts the annual “Farmer's festival” - a typical medieval fair showcasing traditional Czech craft.