Golden peak | Kestřany
Kestřany
The village of Kestřany with the neighbourhoods of Zátaví and Lhota u Kestřan, population 626, is located a few kilometres southwest of Písek on the border between Strakonice and Písek districts. The village is located on the flat land which is spread from Strakonice almost to Písek and Protivín. The gold alluvial Otava river flows near the village, from which the settlement of Zátaví gets its name. There are a number of ponds and lakes in the area, of which the largest, Řežabinec, is a nature reserve.
The origins of the village are unknown, first being mentioned in the 13th century in connection with the fort here, which is today the village’s most important landmark. Another important building is the muralled early Baroque canopied chapel, which dates to 1679.
There are a number of beautifully restored chapels and grottos in the village surroundings and 4km from the village by Lake Škaredý is the location of the Battle of Sudoměř where there is now a monument to Jan Žižka.
Near to Červený Ovčín and neighbouring Kestřany is a newly constructed golf-course which is the location for the ‘Kestřany Cultural Summer’ festival with plenty of entertainment for adults and children.
Kestřany has two adult football teams and one youth team. The volunteer fire department has had many great results at competitions and was invaluable during the floods of 2002. There is also a volunteer fire department in Zátaví.
