Zářecká Lhota reveals several layers of history: a medieval village layout, the chapel and its bell history, and the archaeological site of Hrádníky each offer a different perspective. The first written references to the village date back to the 13th century. A historical record from 1397 refers to the settlement as Lhota Kunšova. The story thus spans everything from early written references to the prehistoric and medieval traces at Hrádníky, within the cadastral area of Zářecká Lhota.

Village Layout and Memorials

The original medieval settlement layout has been preserved almost intact in the old part of Zářecká Lhota. It includes a circular village green and a radial arrangement. The shape of the village is itself a chapter in its history: as well as individual buildings, the traditional layout shows how the old part is structured.

The chapel in the center was built in 1862. Right beside it stands a reconciliation cross, erected in 1893 with funds from local residents. These are memorials from different periods that stand side by side; the residents’ contribution to the cost is also part of the cross’s history. The chapel’s story goes back to its original bell: it first rang in 1866 and was taken away by the Germans during the Second World War. Today, a new electrically operated bell rings in the village.

Hrádníky: Hillfort and Later Castle

The Hrádníky archaeological site includes a hillfort from the Late Bronze Age that was also used in the Early Middle Ages. A castle made of wood, stone and clay was built on a promontory within the area of this prehistoric hillfort in the late 13th or early 14th century. It existed for a relatively short time and was destroyed in a sudden fire. Hrádníky thus preserves traces of early use alongside evidence of a later castle that stood for a comparatively short period.

The remains include a ditch about 80 meters long, surviving ramparts in the more accessible areas, and traces of terraced structures. At the northwestern edge of the site, traces of a medieval fortification and foundations point to a medieval manor house. The ditch, ramparts, terraced traces and foundations offer different clues to how the site was used and built upon.

River, Pond and Cycle Path

The Tichá Orlice forms the northwestern boundary of the cadastral area of Zářecká Lhota. A pond on the edge of the settlement was revitalized with funding from the SFŽP. These landscape features provide a geographic setting for the village’s history.

A cycle path built with funding from the SFDI leads from Choceň to Zářecká Lhota. If you plan to use this route, check local path conditions before setting out. The cycle path is a useful starting point for travel planning, while the village’s historical attractions offer a different focus.

An Unusual Fossil Find

A paleontological trace is also linked to Zářecká Lhota: rare fossils of the only known Czech pterosaur were found near the village. They are kept at the National Museum in Prague. This find adds a different perspective to the history of the settlement area than the village green, chapel and fortification remains: it points to a fossil and its present-day place of safekeeping, while Hrádníky reveals the former use and development of the site.

Discover more destinations: Dolni Orlice, Ostrov, Sruby, Hnátnice, Mostek, Oucmanice, Jamne Nad Orlici, Řetová.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Ústí Nad Orlicí.