Strážov combines a historic town centre with bobbin lace and buildings from several centuries. The historic centre has been designated an urban heritage zone since 2003 and has preserved its heritage character. Cultural landmarks include the Church of St. George, Hrad Castle, the bobbin-lace tradition and the Jewish cemetery.
Town Centre and Architectural History
In the oldest district, Hradčany, stands the early Gothic Church of St. George, first mentioned in the mid-14th century. The church has three altars: the main altar is dedicated to St. George, and the two side altars to St. John of Nepomuk and the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Their dedications distinguish the altars according to their respective religious affiliations.
Hrad Castle is a medieval castle dating from the 14th century. After the mid-16th century, it was remodelled in the Renaissance style. A prismatic tower, along with ditches and ramparts, survives from the original Gothic castle. Medieval origins, a later Renaissance remodelling and surviving Gothic elements thus come together in a single historical setting.
The small brick Chapel of St. Anne dates from the second half of the 18th century and was built on the site of a former castle. As a Baroque building, it provides a later point of reference alongside the early Gothic church and the much older Hrad Castle. Strážov’s architectural history therefore spans from medieval remains to the second half of the 18th century.
Bobbin Lace Between Tradition and Design
A bobbin-lace school was officially opened in Strážov on 15 October 1896. Today, a bobbin-lace group at the local primary school keeps the tradition alive. The school’s historical beginnings in the 19th century and the craft’s continued practice today thus represent two points in the town’s history.
The Krajkářská expozice (Lace Exhibition) features a small collection of newly made lace based on patterns by Emilie Mildeová–Paličková. The patterns and the finished lace illustrate different aspects of bobbin lace: the design and its realisation as a finished piece. The collection thus complements the history of the bobbin-lace school with a tangible look at patterns and handiwork.
The Jewish Cemetery on Smrková hora
The Jewish cemetery lies about 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Strážov, on the slope of Smrková hora. It contains approximately two hundred gravestones; the oldest date from the first half of the 18th century. Its position on the slope and approximate distance provide a distinct sense of place, while the gravestones reveal a long historical span.
Excursions and Leisure Activities
The 34-kilometre “Opálka and Strážov” excursion route passes through Strážov. The swimming pool offers a different kind of leisure activity: it has a large pool, a children’s pool and two tennis courts. The facility is about 1 kilometre from Strážov, at a junction of popular cycling routes. The excursion route, with its stated total length, and the swimming pool, with its specific facilities and location on cycling routes, therefore offer distinct experiences.
The history of group hikes also has a dated starting point. In 1994, a group of residents from Strážov laid the foundations for regular monthly hikes in the Šumava region. This historical connection adds another form of communal leisure to the themes of architecture and craft.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Rovná, Krotějov, Dlažov, Annín, Zelená Lhota, Velké Hydčice, Mysliv, Lesisov
For the higher-level travel overview: Klatovy District.
