Bělčice

Bělčice is a town in Strakonice District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 1,000 inhabitants.

Administrative parts
The villages of Hostišovice, Podruhlí, Tisov, Újezdec, Záhrobí and Závišín are administrative parts of Bělčice.

Etymology
The name Bělčice is derived from the personal name Bělec (or Bílek), meaning "the village of Bělec's people".

Geography
Bělčice is located about 27 km north of Strakonice and 43 km southeast of Plzeň. It lies on the border between the Blatná Uplands and Benešov Uplands. The highest point is the hill Kněžská hora at 565 m above sea level. The area is rich in fishponds and minor streams.

History
The first written mention of Bělčice is from 1243. At the end of the 15th century, the village was promoted to a town. Bělčice was badly damaged during the Thirty Years' War and ceased to be a town. In 1898, it became a town again.

Transport
Bělčice is located on the railway line Strakonice–Beroun.

Sights
The main landmark of Bělčice is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. It was built in the late Romanesque style around 1240. The Gothic presbytery was built in the beginning of the 14th century. Next to the church is a separate neo-Gothic bell tower from 1863.