Chodsko region, Chodsko Folk Festival

Although every tourist area has its own characteristic charm, the Chodsko Region still stands out in its uniqueness.

Chodové was a group of people in Bohemia, mainly in the surroundings of towns Domažlice, Tachov and Přimda. Their duty was to guard the borders between Bohemia and Bavaria. They were direct servants of the king with significant privileges that differentiated them from other inhabitants. For centuries the privileges by king were held, until W.M. Laminger canceled it in the late seventeenth century. The Chodové revolted in 1693, but were unsuccessful. The legendary revolution leader Jan Sladký Kozina was executed.

Chodové spoke a very special dialect of Czech and enjoyed unique and strong traditions and used some special music instruments, mainly best-know pipes.

Chodové were settled down in 11 villages in the vicinity of Domažlice: Klenci pod Cerchovem, Chodov, Postřekov, Draženov, Stráž, Újezd, Tlumačov, Starý Klíčov, Mrákov, Chodská Lhota, Pocinovice. These villages largely form a single unit, because owning a common seal, flag (with a pair of felt shoes, a dog's head is a matter of the National Revival), but also the government.

The Chodsko Region with its characteristic regional customs has long inspired writers. Alois Jirásek and his novel “Psohlavci” is probably the best-known example, but Chodsko has also appeared in the writing of writers such as J. Dobrovský, F. Palacký, K. J. Erben and B. Němcová.

Interesting places for visit:
• Čečovice – in the middle of the village there stands the 14th-century brick Church of St. Nicolas, one of the oldest ecclesiastical structures in western Bohemia.
• Čerchov – the highest peak of the Bohemian Forest (1042 m) with a stone outlook-tower. A lovely view of the south-east Šumava with hills such as Javor, Roklan, Luzný and Ostrý; in clear weather, you can see the Alps, Krušné Hory, Plzeň, Radyně and Brdy.
• Domažlice – the main center of the Chodsko Region with a medieval urban Chodský Castle; nowadays Museum of Chodsko with an extensive ethnographic collection and lookout tower. The main feature of the town is the rectangular square with an inclined round tower of the Gothic church. Gallery of the Špillar Brothers, Jindřich Jindřich´s Museum.
• Historic Chodsko villages – Draženov, Chodov, Klenčí pod Čerchovem, Klíčov, Chodská Lhota, Mrákov, Pocinovice, Postřekov, Stráž, Tlumačov and Újezd.
• Castle and Chateau Horšovský Týn – original Renaissance castle with an early Gothic chapel. Guided tours, remarkable castle collections, overview of castle furnishings from the 16th to the 20th centuries, a permanent exhibition of lamps, dishware, personal and travel utilities, china, toys and prams.
• Klenčí pod Čerchovem – an ancient village with a museum of famous natives, writers J. Š. Baar, J. Vrba and musical composer Jindřich Jindřich. Nearby Výhledy observation platform with Baar’s memorial and an impressive view of the Chodsko Region.
• Koloveč – a traditional family manufacturer of red-and-brown Koloveč ceramics that has been operating for seven generations. Museum of Technology and Craft displaying the tools and equipment of local handicraft workshops.
• Rýzmberk Castle – a ruin of the 13th-century boundary Gothic stronghold. A stone tower with crenellation serves as an observation tower, offering a view of the Domažlice Region and Bohemian Forest. On the opposite hill the Koráb observation tower.
• Újezd – the birthplace of Jan Sladký-Kozina (1652-1695), a leader of the local rebellion, executed in Plzeň. A memorial hall in Kozina’s Farm, Kozina’s memorial by Č.Vosmík on the nearby Hrádek Hill.
• Trhanov Castle – a Baroque 17th-century castle build by Volf Maxmilián Lamingen of Albenreuth (alias Lomikar), known as the main opponent of the Chodové during their rebellion. It was here in Trhanov Castle where he died within a year after the rebellion, after being cursed by Kozina as he was standing on the scaffold.
• Nature Trail In the Footsteps of Jirásek’s Lantern – a 14-kilometer trail from Osvračín to Staňkov. The Paseka Mill in Hlohova was Jirásek’s inspiration in writing his famous play The Lantern.
• Chateau Poběžovice – originally a late 15th-century Gothic chateau, later rebuilt in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. It is being renovated; the castle chapel, the chateau chapel and the castle park are all open to public.
• Bělá nad Radbuzou – a picturesque little town on the Radbuza River. A Baroque bridge, the Church of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary.
• Kdyně – a Jewish synagogue, St. Nicolas’ Church, Borderland Museum, a Renaissance town hall.


A tip for cultural regular event:
Chodsko Folk Festival – St. Lawrence Fair

Held since 1955, the Chodsko Folk Festival is one of the oldest folklore festivals in the Czech Republic. Today, the festival is traditionally held in association with the Domažlice St. Lawrence Fair.

Date of the event:
Aug 14, 2009 - Aug 16, 2009