Kestřany is a municipality and village in Písek District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 700 inhabitants.
Administrative division Kestřany consists of three municipal parts (in brackets population according to the 2021 census): Kestřany (489) Lhota u Kestřan (39) Zátaví (205)
Etymology The name Kestřany is probably derived from Kestra, which was the name of the first settler. His name has origin in the Czech word , meaning 'skeleton'.
Geography Kestřany is located about southwest of Písek and northwest of České Budějovice. The southwestern part of the municipal territory with the Kestřany village lies České Budějovice Basin and the northeastern part lies in the Tábor Uplands.
The Otava River flows through the municipality. The territory is rich in fishponds. The largest pond is Řežabinec, which is a part of the Řežabinec National Nature Monument.
Climate
History
The first written mention of the fortress Horní tvrz is from 1315. The first written mention of Kestřany is from 1338.
Demographics
Transport The southern part of the municipal territory is briefly crossed by the České Budějovice–Strakonice railway line. The nearest train station in is Čejetice-Sudoměř.
Sights
Kestřany is known for a complex of two Gothic fortresses and one early Baroque castle. The fortresses were built in the 13th century and the castle was added in 1651. Only the fortress Horní tvrz is open to the public, but these monuments are gradually repaired and their opening is planned for the future.
References
External links