The local history of Starý Mateřov stretches from an early written mention to specific historic buildings. A protected bell tower with a cross and a traditional wooden cross give the subject an architectural dimension. Leisure activities, a reservation requirement for the multifunctional sports court and a cycling route to Pardubice–Popkovice also feature in travel planning.
History and architectural forms
The first written mention of Mateřov appears in a deed of donation from 1227. At the beginning of the 15th century, Mateřov was the ancestral seat of the Vladykas of Máteřov. The fortress of Mateřov stood on the site of house No. 1. These details offer different historical perspectives: an early written mention, a later connection to a noble family and the site of a fortress.
The wooden bell tower with a cross is a small, slender, polygonal structure shaped like a truncated pyramid, topped by a bulbous sheet-metal roof. The truncated pyramid describes the body of the structure, not the roof: it is a flattened form, distinct from the bulbous roof above it. This makes it easy to distinguish the two defining parts—the wooden structure and the sheet-metal roof. The tower is listed as a cultural monument under registration number ÚSKP 15360/6-2154 and has been protected since 3 May 1958.
The traditional wooden cross is a folk-style crucifix from the early 19th century; the body of Christ has not survived. Two different forms of sacred architecture are thus in focus: a slender bell tower with a cross and a folk-style crucifix.
Leisure and practical planning
From 2018 to 2022, leisure activities in the village included fishing at the pond in Mateřov and, in winter, ice skating and playing hockey when weather conditions allowed. If you are visiting in winter, be sure to check the current conditions as well.
From 2024 to 2030, events in Starý Mateřov include theatre performances and fishing competitions, among other things. If you are planning to attend one of these events, check the specific dates before your trip.
The multifunctional sports court is used for tennis, nohejbal, volleyball and football. A reservation through the booking system is required to access it; check the system before your visit. Planning for the sports court therefore differs from planning for winter activities at the pond: here, a reservation matters, while there, weather conditions are decisive.
A cycle path to Pardubice–Popkovice was built in 2017. If you are including it in your plans, check the current condition of the path before setting off. The different planning considerations are easy to distinguish: local history and architecture offer a cultural focus, events are tied to specific dates, winter activities at the pond depend on the weather and the sports court requires a reservation.
Discover more destinations: Čepí, Stéblová, Rohoznice, Chýšť, Veliny, Uhersko, Brloh, Vápno
For the broader travel overview: Pardubice District.
