Chynava can be explored through two distinct focal points: the 14.5-kilometre Stezka česko-italského přátelstvà and the history of the village, visible in its churches, memorial sites and a remarkable lime tree. When planning your trip, it is worth deciding first whether you primarily want to hike or learn about local history.
Hiking the Friendship Trail
The Stezka česko-italského přátelstvà commemorates the forced stay of people from South Tyrol in Bohemia between 1915 and 1919. Its name refers to Czech-Italian friendship; its memorial purpose is rooted in a specific period of history. The hike thus connects a route with a historical theme.
The route is 14.5 kilometres long and connects with existing marked hiking trails. Its length is a useful guide when planning your day and deciding to make the trail your main focus. Check current route conditions before setting out, as they may change. The route description does not specify a walking time or difficulty level, so take your personal abilities into account when planning your own schedule.
Church of St. Procopius: Construction History and Mining
The Church of St. Procopius is dedicated to the patron saint of miners. This connects it with the iron mining that has been carried out near Chynava since the Middle Ages. The church was first mentioned in writing in 1396.
Its construction history can also be traced through several dates: the original Gothic church was remodelled in the Baroque style from 1779 to 1782. An extension and a new tower were added in 1914, giving the building its present appearance. These dates tell the story not of a single construction project, but of changes over several centuries.
The church’s furnishings include a historic bell cast by Master Bartoloměj in 1518. It weighs 350 kilograms and is considered the second-oldest bell in the region. The dedication, mining history and bell offer different historical connections that complement one another when you learn about the church’s construction history.
Chapel, Cemetery and Remembrance
The Chapel of St. Florian was first mentioned in writing in 1854 and renovated in 2012. Chynava’s new cemetery was established in 1857. During the First World War, it became the final resting place of 32 Italian immigrants. Another memorial site recalls this history: the First World War memorial commemorates 46 local men and young people who lost their lives in the war.
The chapel, cemetery and memorial each represent different aspects of local history. During a visit, you can use the dates as a guide: they span the chapel’s first written mention, the founding of the cemetery and the commemoration of those who died in the war. Alongside the church’s construction history, there is also a story of personal and collective remembrance.
The Small-Leaved Lime as a Natural Monument
Another notable landmark is the small-leaved lime tree in Chynava. It was planted on 24 March 1854, is 16 metres tall and has a trunk circumference of 340 centimetres. These precise measurements make the tree a striking natural and cultural detail alongside the historic sites. Its shade provides a place to sit for churchgoers and cemetery visitors.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
When looking for a hotel in Chynava, you can start with what matters most to you: do you want the 14.5-kilometre hiking route to shape your visit, or are you particularly interested in the church, bell and memorial sites? Those interested in architectural history will find several dates and changes at the Church of St. Procopius; those wishing to learn more about the people from South Tyrol and their commemoration can make the Friendship Trail their own thematic focus. The small-leaved lime tree offers another perspective: alongside dates and memorial sites, the focus here is on a living tree with a documented planting date and precise measurements.
Discover more destinations: Olešná, HĹ™edle, Kublov, NeumÄ›tely, Osek, Hvozdec, KonÄ›prusy, Malá VĂska
For the broader travel overview: Okres Beroun.
