An ideal destination for lovers of history, beer and gaming culture
Just five kilometers southwest of Kutná Hora, in the valley of the Vrchlický stream lies a town dominated by a medieval fortress that combines a peaceful rural atmosphere, rich medieval history and modern adventure tourism.
History
Malešov was first recorded at the beginning of the 14th century. According to legend, the name is derived from the Kutná Hora burgher Maleš, who founded a settlement of lumberjacks here for the needs of the silver mines.
The most significant chapter in history was written in 1424, when one of the most famous Hussite battles took place near Malešov. The blind commander Jan Žižka and his Tábor army destroyed the combined battalions of the Praguers and the lordly unity by having carts filled with stones thrown from the slope of the Prosík pond directly into the enemy ranks.
Malešov Fortress
The unmissable landmark of the village is the massive stone medieval fortress, whose origins date back to the 14th century. It passed through the hands of the prominent Ruthard family from Kutná Hora and other noble owners.
Reconstruction of the fortress
Over the centuries, however, the fortress lost its residential function, served as a granary and gradually fell into disrepair. A fundamental turning point occurred in 2002, when the building was acquired by a private owner. Thanks to sensitive and long-term reconstruction, the fortress is today an excellent example of a revived monument. It is therefore one of the best restored medieval buildings in the Czech Republic.
Fortress tours
During the season, there are guided tours of the interior and the five-story tower. There is also an adventure escape game in the mysterious spaces of the fortress.
Action
The fortress regularly comes alive with historical festivals, craft fairs and battles. For fans of the Czech video game Kingdom Come Deliverance from the development studio Warhorse Studios, Malešov is literally a promised place.
Medieval camp and tavern
Directly below the fortress is an area that offers participants of medieval festivities the opportunity to spend the night in historic tents. Under the fortress walls is a stylish medieval campsite with luxuriously equipped tents, a blacksmith's workshop and an authentic medieval tavern.
Link to the game Kingdom Come
Malešov Fortress is an important real-life location that was incorporated into the plot and map of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2. Special events and fan gatherings are held here, offering fans real-life experiences, themed events, and connections to the game's events.
Church of St. Wenceslas
At the head of the listed Žižkov Square stands the single-nave Baroque Church of St. Wenceslas with a distinctive tower in the facade.
Friendly Brewery
Right next to the fortress is the Friendly Malešov Brewery, where you can taste honest unfiltered beer and good gastronomy.
Museum
Next to the brewery stands a two-storey chateau with a decorative classicist facade and a hipped roof. Today, the chateau is on the list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic and houses the Malešov Museum.