CZ: Černožice

A Village between Smiřice and Jaroměř

The community of Černožice has approx.1200 inhabitants. This locality, placed along Labe-river, is to be found in Hradec Králové Region, 14 kms distant, in north direction, from capital of the region. The village is situated in an altitude of 255 metres above sea level, and its total area, including arable soil, makes 423 ha.

The first written notice about this locality comes of 1197 from so called Hradiště-Opatovice historical records. Since that time period, several various Parentages became owners of this village (dominion), whereas to the most known families, those of Otmars-Holohlavy, Sendražice or Malešice Parentages, could be added, later presednted with Černožice predicate. Later, since 1512, Černožice-village was in possession of Trčka-Lípa Parentage, and became a part of Smiřice dominion - till 1848. Nevertheless, Trčka was changed by Gallas, followed by Sternberg Parentages, Paar Princes, and finally the dominion was under influence of Emperor´s Chamber. However, Černožice became, during centuries, a victim of several big fires, but finally, the locality was re-newed again. At the beginning of 19th century, the road, directed from Hradec Králové to Jaroměř, was constructed, and later, even railway section Smiřice-Jaroměř, all both lines of communication brought great economical increase for the community.

In 1871, even industrial revolution came to the community. So, agricultural sugar-factory was founded there, and later, at the end of 19th century, Sehnoutka Weaving Mill was constructed, included cotton spinning factory which was built shortly afterthat. At that time, the first assotiations were established, such as: „Černožice-Čáslav Economical  Club-House“, Voluntary Firemen Committee or Vlasta-Girls´ Amateur Club. Further, the first Post-Office as well as elementary school were founded there, followed by Sokol, gymnastic and athletic club. Since 1911, the community got its own electrical illumination.

However, after the 2nd World War, Černožice went through considerable population exodus (approx. 30%). The people left for Sudeten Region, to fill in the places after Germans who were forced to move out. The Communists founded there United Agricultural Corporation, however, this cooperative bankrupted soon. Nevertheless, the East Bohemia Poultry Factory or Tevex Thermal-Power plant were built, and two transport companies started to do their activity at the beginning of 21st century.

Actual Life in Černožice

Even at present, you can find in the community several clubs and organizations, such as: Horse Riding Club, speed-canoe section, Sokol-gymnastic and athletic club, soccer club and others. Provided you wish to do some sport in active way, you are recommended to try local climbing wall, where you can learn (at reasonable prices) overhanging or ceiling creeping, on total surface of 251 square metres.

Various cultural events are taken place there during the whole year, such as: Children Carnival in February, Children Day in May or St. Nicholas Afternoon in December. 

Local monuments

Villa Anna, built in 1905 by architect Anthony Balšánek in Neo-classical style, belongs to one of most beautiful local buildings. However, the construction was hardly damaged during Communism time period. When visiting Černožice, do not miss a stop at Baroque St. John Nepomuk statue of 1712, coming from Matthias Bernhard Braun workshop, declared as National Cultural Monument by Ministry of Culture. Even the fishermen can find their popular area. They have the chance to fish with a line in a pond, where the carps, trouts or sturgeons are kept. The pond is hidden inside picturesque valley, between Černožice and Labe-river. 

Text: Maxim Kucer

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: Cernozice.cz