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CZ: Smiřice - Small Domination Of Great Parentages

Published: 25.2.2011
Although Smiřice could seem to be as standard small town, the locality is able to offer its unique historical jewels as well as connection to several cycling routes and tourist paths.

How the town obtained its name

Smiřice is a town with three thousands of inhabitants, situated along Labe-river, in north direction from Hradec Králové. As far as the name of the town is concerned, three explanations about its origin are to be offered: According to the legend, two knights had a dispute, and in a village, where they got reconciled, the name of „Smiřice“ was introduced. The second legend explained that such name came into existence from old Bohemian word „same říce“, as if, from this elevated place, local Labe-river branches seemed as several rivers flew through. On the other hand, the last explanation is, in general, more profane, making comparison to the first legend version. It comes from chronicle of Záruba Parentage, narrating about thane Budivoj and about his dispute with district administrator from Červený Hradec, and finally, how their contest was reconsiliated. The dispute concerned the area along Labe-river, or a reconciliation of the river. Budivoj took a predicate Smír of Smiřice. Later, his descendants were named as „Smiřičti of Smiřice“, and so, the name of actual locality was derived.

The town in aristocrats´ possession

The people colonized this area since ancient times. As mentioned above, the dominion was, from the very beginning, in hands of Smiřice Parentage. They became, in the course of several centuries, one of most wealthiest Bohemian Parentages. Albrecht Jan Smiřický had even quite real chance to be the King of Bohemia. However, he died in 1619, at the age of 24 years only, for consequences of his bad healthy state.

He was sentenced, post mortem, to loss of all his property, including three tonns of gold. Owing to the fact that no descendants were available, who could become parentage continuance, Smiřice Parentage died out. Anyway, at that time, Smiřice-town was not in ownership of this Parentage, because the area was possessed by another rich Parentage, Trčka of Lípa. They let to build luxury chateau, on place of original castle, according to Italian model. Further, they maintained local brewery and great water-mill.

During 30-Years War, the dominion was in hands of Matthias Gallas. However, this man neglegted his duties, owing to his military tasks, so, shortly after his death, Smiřice was suffering from attacks of Swedish military troops. Local inhabitants had to put on their shoulders even the weight of statutary labours as well as bad harvest. Moreover, the Jesuits Order came there in 1638, with the task to introduce Catholic Faith in the region. Nevertheless, 21 years later, Gallas Parentage declared Smiřice as a town, with a right to have its own escutcheon and a seal.

During rule of Mary Therese from Sternberg Parentage (she was a a sovereign-lady, who ruled in Smiřice dominion for sixty years), she tried faith subordination in fanatic way, so considerable subsidiaries to the church were presented. She let to reconstruct or build many churches in Smiřice surroundings, and even in Smiřice church, side-altar, consecrated to Virgin Mary, was made.  

Within industrial revolution, Smiřice became a stop on railway line, leading from Liberec to Pardubice. Except of this new saw-mill, brick-works, sugar-factory, chicory drying-ground or distillery were built. Later, in the middle of 19th century, a post-office and civic cooperative bank were open for public. So, since 1872, the telegraphs could be sent to the world, and since 1906, phone station office was established there.

At the end of 19th century, there was established in Smiřice, similarly as in another localities in Bohemia, Sokol athletic union, „Zora“ singing choir and many other clubs.

 

What cannot be missed in Smiřice? 

Epiphany Castle Chapel: this building is town´s dominanta, declared as National Cultural Monument. The complex was constructed within 1699-1711, in accordance with the order of Count Sternberg. The plans were made by Christopher Dientzenhofer, famous architect, and Jan Blažej Santini, another famous architect, effected the building. Inside the church, you can admire Baroque organ of 18th century, manufactured by Caspar Welzel, organ-builder, or altar picture, the work of Peter Brandl, known as „Three Kings´ Compliments“, declared as well as National Cultural Monument. Now, except wedding ceremonies, concerts and other social events are taken place there. So called Easter Music Festival, known as „Smiřice Holiday Music Events“ belongs to most important cultural happenings.

Castle: the building was constructed on place of stronghold, where belonged also agricultural houses. Today´s face comes from the first half of 17th century. Later, at the end of 18th century, there was placed a hospital here, later, dominion´s administration and theatre or an inn. Anyway, during 19th century, the castle undergone reconstruction works and later, farmer school was settled there. 

Smiřice Railway Station: if you visit local railway station, you could not be sorry for it, as the building is of special character, for sure. The building is constructed in a style of hunting castle, where even animals´ ditch does not miss. This unique building was established in the second half of 19th century, thanks to Johann Liebig, Liberec manufacturer.

Text: Maxim Kucer

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: Wikipedia.org


 



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