The first written historical mention of the municipality of Černava dates from 1489. In Schwarzenbach, this early written reference meets a considerably more recent building history and evidence of earlier forms of livelihood. This is particularly clear at the chapel on the Černava–Suchá road, in the “za kapličkou” forest complex, and in the settlements that historically belonged to Černava.
The Chapel and the “za kapličkou” Forest Complex
The “za kapličkou” forest complex is located by the chapel on the Černava–Suchá road. The chapel was built around 1910 to 1920. After 1960, only its foundations remained; in 1992, it was rebuilt on those foundations, but at a considerably lower height than before. This sequence connects the original building with a reconstruction that used the old site but did not reach its former height. The striking difference, therefore, lies not merely between two dates, but between the two building forms.
Settlement Development Beyond Černava
Since the First Republic, the settlements of Rájec and Kobelec have also belonged to Černava. Together with the houses in Černava, they formed an almost continuous built-up area. The historic development of the locality therefore extends beyond individual buildings: it includes several named settlement areas and the connections between them. The chapel tells the story of a specific structural change; the settlement information, by contrast, shows how Černava developed in relation to Rájec and Kobelec.
Quarries and Earlier Forms of Livelihood
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Černava’s growth was linked to the industrialization of nearby Neudek, the construction of new transport routes, and additional livelihood opportunities. These opportunities also arose from the opening of several quarries in the surrounding area. High-quality granite was quarried near Rájec and Kobelec; quartz for glassmaking was also extracted in the Černava area. The history thus connects broader influences—industry and transport routes—with specific raw materials and livelihoods in the surrounding area.
However, raw-material extraction is only one part of the history of work in the area. In addition to grain and potatoes, cabbage was also grown near Černava. Crop farming adds another kind of land use to the picture of granite and quartz. The local history thus reveals different aspects of the economy: quarrying for stone and glass, as well as agricultural crops.
Visitor Information
An older municipal plan described a pond between Černava and Rájec as a natural swimming area. If you would like to swim there, check access and current conditions beforehand.
The municipality concerned reported on June 15, 2026, that a new pavilion had been completed at Karčák Pond, with changing facilities for anglers and the public. If you plan to visit the pavilion, check in advance whether it is currently open for use.
A Cultural Motif from 2017
At a historical procession in 2017, Martin rode a horse and led a group of small glowing mountain spirits through the forest, on the way from Černava to Rájec. The procession adds a specific cultural motif to the architectural and economic history.
Discover more destinations: Stiedra, Münchhof, Kohlhau, Warta, Gießhübl-Sauerbrunn, Neu Rohlau, Ostrov Nad Ohří, Welchau
For the broader travel overview: Karlovy Vary District.
