Katovice: Between the Otava, History and Nature

Katovice combines the landscape along the Otava with prominent traces of its history. Between the riverbank, the town centre and Kněží hora, you will find a variety of points of interest for your trip: historic buildings, protected cultural monuments, an educational trail focusing on history and nature, and events with a regional character.

History in the Town Centre

In the square between the church and the municipal office stands the stone pillory of Katovice. Monument protection applies exclusively to the pillory itself. It originally stood in front of the church’s south portal. It was a symbol of municipal judicial authority and a place of public punishment, shame and humiliation. A memorial stone has also stood in the town centre since 1972; it was originally located below Kněží hora on the left bank of the Otava.

The Church of St Philip and St James is part of the town’s historical landmarks. It was originally an early Gothic church from the 13th century, rebuilt in the 14th century and again in 1580–1582, then remodelled in the Baroque style in 1761. An early Gothic portal has been preserved on the south side of the Church of St James and St Philip. Services are held in the church on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. The Chapel of St John of Nepomuk by the bridge also commemorates the town’s religious architectural heritage; it is one of Katovice’s immovable cultural monuments. The cemetery contains a communal grave of the victims of a death march, which is part of Katovice’s registered cultural heritage.

The Otava and Kněží hora

On the right bank of the Otava in Katovice are so-called Sejpy, remains of gold washing. Along the Otava, riverside paths for pedestrians are connected between Strakonice and Sušice. In addition, a north–south route for pedestrians and cyclists runs through Katovice. It crosses the Otava via a new footbridge and connects to public amenities.

Kněží hora brings together natural and cultural themes in a particularly vivid way. The nature reserve covers 13.51 hectares of thermophilous oak woodland with preserved forest flora. In the 9th century, an elliptical Slavic hillfort covering a total area of approximately 8 hectares stood on Kněží hora. The hillfort is designated as a currently protected archaeological feature; in places, up to four successive lines of fortifications are still visible today.

Educational Trail with History and Nature

The Kněží hora Educational Trail has five information stations and focuses thematically on history and nature. It begins at Husovo náměstí in Katovice and ends in Horní Poříčí at the Březový potok crossroads at the foot of Katovická hora.

Events and Local Traditions

Events are also part of Katovice’s character. Katovické Vinohraní reached its tenth edition in 2025. At the festival, visitors could taste wine from the Helena, Suský and Turek wineries in Velké Pavlovice. Katovický Otesánek was held for the ninth time in 2023. Another architecturally interesting destination is Katovice’s original watermill building.

For further orientation, you can also visit Uzeničky, Stozice, Čepřovice, Hornosín, Kocelovice, Drachkov, Sedlice U Blatné and Dřešín.

For the wider travel overview: Strakonice District.