The town was established, according to people´s legend, by Knight of Sebastian, who kept hunting falcons. This legend is confirmed with old town´s escutcheon, picturing a falcon with go

lden beak, golden claws and golden bell. In 1313, King Jan Lucemburský declared a town as King´s town. In 1397, the town´s privileges were renewed – after big fire – by King Wenceslas IV. Further owners of this dominion were – Šlik Parentage (for time period of 200 years) and Nostitz Parentage – since 1622.

18th century was characteristic with development of handi-crafts, hop-cultivation and manufacturing of organs. Anyway, at the end of 18th century, the mining of brown-coal started to be used, and this fact marked afterthat the whole new history of Sokolov and environs. The coal-layers were known in the past, the people found coal when the wells were deepened. It happened sometimes, that the coal set on fire. A lot of legends were created, thanks to this fact.

In spite of the fact that Sokolov was in industrial boom and development, its cultural life was not reduced. After servitude cancellation, the town became a seat of district offices. In 1880, the last hop-field was closed and mining works enlarged. Sokolov became an industrial centre. At the end of 19th century, the town suffered from two big destroyed fires. Anyway, the town revived quickly and started to enlarged. In 1948, the name Falknov was officially over, and the name of Sokolov substituted the original name.

As to historical monuments: it is Neo-classical castle with a park (Hus orchard) and memories to bown-coal mining. Further, you find there former area of gamekeeper´s house – it is a house in Baroque style with rests of town´s fortification. In Sokolov, there are several monuments, statues (Statue of St.John Nepomuk with angels), Column of Virgin Mary, Jubilee fountain and fountain with a Falconer placed in Old Square.

As to Church monuments: it is parish church of St.Jacob, protestant church of St.Thomas. chapel of Holy Trinity and Capuzine monastery with church of St.Antoine of Padova.

Text: Markéta Řandová

Photo: Wikipedia.com

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