Blížejov

Blížejov is a municipality and village in Domažlice District in the Plzeň Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 1,600 inhabitants.

Administrative parts
The villages of Chotiměř, Františkov, Lštění, Malonice, Nahošice, Přívozec and Výrov are administrative parts of Blížejov.

Etymology
The initial name of the village was Bližejov. The name was derived from the personal name Bližej, meaning "Bližej's (court)".

Geography
Blížejov is located about 8 km northeast of Domažlice and 38 km southwest of Plzeň. It lies on the border between the Upper Palatine Forest Foothills and Plasy Uplands. The highest point is at 501 m above sea level. The Zubřina Stream flows through the town.

History
The first written mention of Blížejov is from 1324. The village used to be divided into several parts owned by different noble families.

Transport
Blížejov is located on the railway line Plzeň–Domažlice.

Sights
The main landmark of Blížejov is the Church of Saint Martin. It was built in the Gothic style in the mid-14th century. In the first half of the 18th century, it was modified in the Baroque style.

In Lštění is a late Gothic tower-shaped fortress. It was probably built in the mid-15th century. In the mid-16th century, a Renaissance castle was built next to the fortress, but it was later destroyed. The fortress was rebuilt into a granary in 1769. Today the building is privately owned.