CZ: Ždírec Village

History

The first notice about the community comes of 1352.

Ždírec, originally Sirtsch, is very old village, with existence confirmed just since 11th century. The name of the community was created from names of works at its foundation, i.e. abolition of forests. Originally, a mansion with a farmyard was established there, mentioned just in 13th century. Later, in 1412, an information about Ulrich from Ždírec was appeared, which belonged to Houska dominion. In 1532, Mr. Peter Tyn of Týn sold the village to certain Wenceslas Hrzan from Harasov, and consequently, the village was joined to his Houska dominion.

Anyway, the village got its actual name in 1850, together with the community of Bořejov and Ždírec farmyard. In 1976, Ždírec became a part of the community of Žďár, and later, Žďár (including Ždírec), was united with Doksy. Ždírec, as an independent community, is existing since 1990.

As far as the sightseeings are concerened, local chapel and several carpentered houses, preserved monuments of people´s architecture, are most important objects of interest.

Kokořín countryside

Not far from Ždírec, Houska Castle is to be found. The castle was built by representants of Dubá Parentage, Originally, it was Gothic castle from the end of 13th centujry. Nevertheless, in 1999, it was open for public for the first time. In the course of sightseeing, you can meet many architectonical styles, as the building undergone many arrangements during past times. According to the experts, it is Renaissance castle with elements of Gothic castle.  In local chapel, which is situated (according to the legends) directly above „Gate to the Hell“, you can admire unique paintings of 14th and 16th centuries. The actual castle owners  made the sightseeings more pleasant, organizing various cultural events, such as markets, handicrafts, etc.

You can be informed from historical sources, that Houska Castle was established at the same time with near Bezděz Castle. This second building was declared  in 1978 as National Cultural Monument.

The environs of the village are offering many excursions and walking routes, very popular among cyclists. All these routes are of the same level as the paths in Bohemian Forest or Giant Mountains.

The possibilities for cycling excursions for tourists in Kokořín Area are unlimited, as the ways and paths there are numerous. So, the choice is wide, and it depends on you, if you decide for so called health walks or longer excursions.

Text: Tereza Flašková

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: www.zdireckokorinsko.cz