UNique – 6/10

In the fields of South Bohemia, not too far away from either České Budějovice or Česky Krumlov, lies a small village of Holašovice. With the population of around 140 residents and the area consisting of just a few dozen houses grouped around a village square, you would be well within your right to ask why it deserves a World Heritage Site designation. That is until you visit it. The village is incredibly charming due to its unified Baroque frontage that it presents to the visitor. The two-storey houses lining the village square have white or beige painted walls with the outlines of each house painted in bright yellow, orange or brown colours. It is unusual to see a rural architectural style as well-preserved as it is in Holašovice.

ESsential – 2/10

To understand the reasons behind the emergence of such a unified rural complex, it helps to know a bit of its history. By 1525, the population of the village was completely wiped out by the bubonic plague, with only two residents surviving. In order to repopulate Holašovice, Cistercian monastery, which owned the village, invited settlers from Austria and Bavaria. By 19th century, the village was mainly German-speaking. 19th century saw the rise of romanticizing rural landscapes and bucolic themes. It was at this time that most of the buildings were constructed in their unique Folk Baroque style.

COst-effective – 7/10

The village is 15 km west from České Budějovice and can be easily accessed by public transit. It is also possible to rent a bike and spend the entire day exploring the nearby villages and the National Protected Forest of Blanský les.