Rataje nad Sázavou
History and conneciton to the game Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Rataje nad Sázavou is a village in Central Bohemia located on the banks of the Sázava River, about 50 km southeast of Prague. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, attracting visitors not only with historical landmarks but also with its unique character. Rataje has been gaining increasing popularity in recent years, partly due to its connection to the video game Kingdom Come: Deliverance. This game was paramount in the revival of interest in local Czech history and culture, drawing new visitors from around the world.
A bit of history
The first written mention of Rataje dates back to 1289, when the village began to develop and establish itself as part of the broader surrounding region. Over the years, thanks to its strategic location on major trade routes, Rataje had become an important center for commerce, politics, and religion.
Significant development occurred in the 14th century when Rataje belonged to the Lords of Lipá. During this period, the Pirkštejn castle was built on the northeastern edge of the village, where it was first mentioned in 1346. In 1403, it was managed by Hanuš of Lipá, who held it on behalf of the underage heir, Jan Ptáček. That same year, the castle also served as a refuge for Racek Kobyla, who sought shelter here with his retinue after having fled the town of Skalitz.
The castle retained its original appearance until the 16th century, when it was converted into a Renaissance-style chateau. In 1675, the castle was given its present early Baroque appearance, which has been preserved to the present day.
In modern history, Rataje nad Sázavou has gained fame due to its connection to the video game Kingdom Come: Deliverance, as the village plays a significant role in the game’s story. The castle and the village were recreated with great attention to detail, giving players a unique opportunity to explore the medieval landscapes of surrounding areas and experience the atmosphere of the time. The storyline and characters in the game also more or less reflect the historical sources.
What to see in Rataje?
Among the most significant landmarks are Pirkštejn Castle, Rataje Chateau, the Church of St. Matthew, the Chapel of St. Anthony, and the Chapel of St. Wenceslas. In parts of the village, you can also find remnants of the town’s old fortifications, a reminder of the ancient defensive function of this place.
What’s it like today?
Today, the Rataje Chateau is open to the public and offers several fascinating exhibits. Visitors can explore a permanent exhibit on the history of Rataje, a private collection called “Grandma’s Strollers,” and “Life in a Village Yard,” which presents the daily day-to-day lives of its rural inhabitants. Additionally, the chateau features historically decorated rooms in styles ranging from Biedermeier and Historicism to Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
And of course, there is also an exhibit dedicated to the game Kingdom Come: Deliverance that showcases how the game depicts Rataje and its historical surroundings.
After visiting the chateau, be sure to take a short detour to the Rataje lookout point which offers a breathtaking view of the meandering Sázava River bend – a place that is definitely worth a visit.
