Photowalk in Benešov - From art courtyards to imperial gardens

Walking in the shadow of World War I

Date: 16. 8. 2026
Place: Benešov

Just outside the hustle and bustle of Prague lies Benešov, a tranquil corner of Central Bohemia that is perfect for a relaxed, unplanned afternoon. We arrived with no set itinerary, choosing instead to let our curiosity guide us.

We began our walk in the town centre, where colourful historic façades frame quiet streets. As we wandered into the courtyard of the local Museum of Art and Design, we stopped at Kavárna MUD, a charming café nestled among sculpture exhibits. The friendly staff welcomed us with excellent coffee and delicious cakes. As if that weren’t enough, they even let us browse through and take home a few vintage clothing items for free.

Over coffee, two members of our group shared some big news: one was leaving town to pursue his studies, and the other was returning to his home country. This added a bittersweet note to our day, but we are very happy for them and wish them all the best in this exciting new chapter!

Continuing on, we followed a trail out into the countryside, where the town gave way to open fields rolling gently beneath a vast sky. The fields eventually led us to the wooded grounds of Konopiště Castle, which was famously the final private residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. His assassination in 1914 triggered World War I. We strolled along tree-lined paths and through the famous Rose garden, where peacocks roamed freely among the manicured hedges.

By the time we headed back, our shoes were dusty, our cameras captured memories, and our hearts were full of mixed emotions. Benešov gave us not only a reflective afternoon of wandering, but a memorable backdrop to celebrate friends before their next grand adventure.

A few photos taken by some of our participants:

@jonaskohout_human

@samuelgalansky

@juli_analogue

@miresk