CZ: Vamberk – The Town of Bobbin Lace – VIDEO

Vamberk is located near Rychnov nad Kneznou on the Zdobnice River. It is home to  less than 5,000 inhabitants. Historically, apart from lace-making the town lived mainly from weaving and timber trade, for example, chains have being produced here till the present. The Drslavci family founded the town in the 13th century, unfortunately only few historical monuments have been preserved. But you can still see the stone bridge with statues over Zdobnice, the Baroque church of St. Prokop, or the church of St. Barbora. Right on the square you will see the house where a famous late 19th-century musician, Augustin Vyskočil, was born.

The Museum of Lace will be, perhaps, the most interesting destination for the most of you. It is to be found on the main square. The lacing tradion was founded in the mid-17th century whenthe Belgian nobleman Magdalena Grambova started the lace-making tradition here. In 1889 the first Czech state school of lacing was opened in Vamberk. In the museum you will learn  much more about the history of local lace-making, and you will see how the lace was bobbed. Trust us, this fine work is totally fascinating.

Surprisingly, Magdalena Grambova, when she taught women in the bobbing of Belgian designs at the Vamber Manor, earned the nickname "Bad Majdalena." Without her organizational and business spirit the lace might have never been so famous in the region.

In the vicinity of Vamberk you will find many other interesting tourist destinations, such as the castle in Doudleby nad Orlici, Potstejn castle/chateaul, or the castle in Litice nad Orlici. Last but not least pay attention to the fabulous nature of the Orlicke Mountains and the Divoka Orlice valley. Vamberk makes for a pleasant stop for bicycling tours - there are many such in the region.

GPS: 50°07'04.6"N 16°17'20.7"E

Text, photos, and video: Matouš Vinš

Music: Dexter Britain