Holanova Turyně

Holanova Turyně is a small but striking fortified manor hidden in the woods above the Vltava River, in the village of Plešiště, part of the municipality of Krásná Hora nad Vltavou in the Příbram district.

What exactly is this place?

The site is built around a massive tower with Gothic origins, later reworked into the fortified house seen today. Alongside the tower, the grounds still hold a residential building, a wooden storehouse, and traces of the moats and earthen ramparts that once encircled the whole estate. The complex is listed in the Czech Republic's central register of immovable cultural monuments, which underscores its historical weight despite its modest scale. Most of what stands today likely dates from the 16th–17th century, even though the tower's core reaches back to the Gothic period.

How to get there?

The site sits off the beaten path, on a steep, wooded slope above the Vltava valley near the village of Plešiště (coordinates 49.6149655, 14.3249909). The easiest approach is by car to Krásná Hora nad Vltavou, then along a local road toward Plešiště — it's worth covering the final stretch on foot, along a forest path. It makes a rewarding short hike or bike detour combined with a visit to Krásná Hora itself.

What will you actually see?

The estate is privately owned and closed to visitors inside, so the appeal here is the exterior. Look for the bulky silhouette of the tower, which still reads as defensive architecture despite the centuries, and the wooden storehouse standing beside it. On the ground you can still trace the line of the old moat — local tradition holds it once had a drawbridge crossing it. Marks under the roofline of the tower hint at earlier timber structures, evidence of several rounds of rebuilding over the years. Even without stepping onto the property, the setting alone — a fortified house tucked high on a forested slope above the river — makes the detour worthwhile.

The legend of the robber knights

Local folklore ties the site to a tale of robber knights who supposedly held court here with their armed men. According to the story, they raided boats carrying goods down the Vltava and stashed their plunder in this hard-to-reach stronghold, hidden deep in the woods above the water. The story is impossible to verify historically, but it captures the site's character well — isolated, difficult to approach, and exactly the kind of place that would make a convincing hideout.

When's the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for the hike, with cooler air in the forest and thinner foliage that makes the tower easier to spot among the trees. In summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat on the forest trails. Pair the visit with a stop in Krásná Hora nad Vltavou itself and a walk along the Vltava valley below.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the tvrz? No — the property is privately owned and not open to visitors. It can only be viewed from the outside.

Where does the name "Holanova Turyně" come from? The name combines a personal element (Holan) with the local designation "Turyně" for the fortified house; the exact origin isn't firmly documented, and the name functions as a traditional local place-name.

How old is the building? The tower's core dates to the Gothic period, while the estate's present form most likely took shape in the 16th–17th century.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Krásná Hora nad Vltavou itself and the scenic Vltava valley below make natural additions to the trip — the same stretch of river the site's legendary robber knights are said to have preyed upon.