CZ: Nove Mesto nad Metuji – An Inspiration to Czech Writers

Nove Mesto nad Metuji became a town in 1501. Today it consists of four districts: Nove Mesto nad Metuji, Krcin, Vrchoviny, and Spy. The historic center of the town is a landmark reservation and Husovo Square dominates it as well as the Church of Holy Trinity and nearby castle.

On the east from the town there is a large forest area, a protected area where are recreation facilities for the town’s inhabitants and tourists. 3 natural reservation are partially within town’s borders: Zbytka, Peklo and Dubno.

Landmarks

On the top of the most popular landmarks list is a castle in Nove Mesto nad Metuji . It is part of town’s landmark reservation and is located in the western corner of the square. It was built together with the town, originally as a Gothic castle, that was supposed to protect the town. The later castle lays on foundations of older stronghold, its owner was Jan Cerncicky of Kacov. In 1908, Josef Barton bought the castle to make of it its family residence. He was the owner of a textile factory in Nachod. In the first half of the 20th century the castle became a modern residence decorated with paintings of most notable Czech artists; there is Art-Nouveau, Art Deco, cubism, and functionalism. Since 1992 the castle has been opened to the public and in the year 2008. Among other landmarks are: a rococo style sculptural group of the Holy Trinity (1767), fortification along the historical center, baroque monastery of Borthers of Charity with the Loretan chapel and the church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, the St Barbara chapel at Rezek, summer villa built on Rezek, Castle Virov ruins with a view of “Czech Betlehem” originally an early-Gothic church of Holy Spirit in Krcin built in the 13th century. In the park in front of the castle there is a Bedrich Smetana monument from 1954, and a stone fountain made of one piece of stone.

History

The town was built in 1501 by Jan Cercicicky of Kacov on a huge cliff surrounded by the Metuje from three sides. Soon after it was established it burned down in 1526. In 1623, Albrech of Valdstejn bought the town. One of the greatest Thirty Years War generals was a rough lord. Most of the houses built on the square were built according to plans of Vojtech of Pernstejn in the years 1526 to 1548. Then, the town was a property of Trckove of Lipa and since 1634 it was owned by Walter of Leslie. In 1941, the northwestern part of the square was rebuilt by architect M. Vincik. Town gates were demolished in the 19th century and on the northern side the Zazvorka tower with gate wre preserved.§

Interesting Sights

The town and its picturesque vicinity became after the visit of Alois Jirasek and Jana Neruda not only a popular destination but also an inspiration to several novels and historical novels. Towns landmark reservation is also called „Czech Betlehem “ or „Gate to the Orlicke Mountains“ and it has many beauties to offer as well as interesting things.

Nove Mesto nad Metuji is a town with industrial tradition and developed agricultural facilities. In the 1950’s there founded large factories to make construction machines and watches. After the year 1990, the industry changed and town was renovated.

Free time

In Nove Mesto nad Metuji, there are held paddling events as well as one or two-day trips, excursions, bike trips or fairy tale trails. 6 kilometers out of the town along the bike trail you can visit a camp by dam Rozkos if there is a nice weather. Among popular excursion destinations is the settlement of Peklo 5 kilometers up the Metuje.

Text: Nika Stankova

Photo: Wikipedia.org, SokolJan, č.2, č.3, Tomas Nemec