Podmoklice offers several historical perspectives: a precisely dated church building, traces of a vanished settlement, and themes ranging from industrial architecture to cycling history. The landscape and transport history also provide different points of reference for planning your trip.
Church Architecture and the History of Earlier Settlements
The Sbor Dr. Karla Farského is located in Podmoklice. It was completed and opened on 18 September 1938; on 20 September 2016, it was declared a cultural monument. The two dates mark different milestones: first, completion and opening, followed later by its designation as a monument. For visitors, this offers a concrete date in the building’s history to compare with its later protected status.
The archaeological site of Podmoklice opens a different window onto the past. A village once stood on the site of the Kapla ZSO manor farm, but it disappeared during the Thirty Years’ War. Together with the history of the church building, this find draws attention to two very different historical periods. You can reach the Sbor Dr. Karla Farského by train, bus or private vehicle.
Industrial Architecture and Cycling History
Guided tours of the FABRIKA 1861 complex introduce its 19th- and 20th-century industrial architecture. They also include areas that were once closed to the public: production halls, offices and the Ludmila clock tower. This means the tours explore not only the architecture but also the complex’s different spaces. Tour arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check the current options before your visit.
The historic riveted footbridge Lávka Amálka has also been reopened in the FABRIKA 1861 complex following renovation. Its riveted construction adds another example of historic building techniques to the industrial architecture. A separate, precisely dated episode concerns the clock in the Ludmila tower: it was put back into operation on 31 July 2021 at 19:01. This date marks a specific moment in industrial history without confusing it with the church’s opening date.
The “U Zlatého kola” Bicycle Museum offers a different focus. Its exhibition explores the development of bicycles across different periods, as well as technology, movement and the craft tradition of cycling. While the FABRIKA tours focus on architecture and former workspaces, the museum turns attention to the development of bicycles and craftsmanship.
Landscape and Transport History
The Riegrova Trail offers a scenic highlight in the wider municipality, too. It passes through the Galerie Natural Monument and the ĂšdolĂ Jizery a BĂtouchova Nature Reserve. Among its features is a 77-metre-long suspended gallery with views of the Jizera. Alongside the cultural and historical themes, the trail and its protected landscape are also worth exploring.
The Pardubice–Liberec railway line offers another perspective on the passage of time: it was built between 1856 and 1858, and Semily station is also part of this transport history. The industrial boom that followed helped Semily and Podmoklice grow considerably. The history of the town can therefore be explored through different lenses: construction, archaeology and industrial development.
Discover more destinations: Záhořà U Semil, Turnov, Chutnovka, Semily, VĂtkovice V KrkonošĂch, Roztoky U Semil, KlokoÄŤĂ U Turnova, Burany.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Semily.
