Svinařov: Chapel, Jewish History and Historic Routes

Svinařov brings together local history, historic route connections and a described cycling route. The chapel, the Holých Cross and the history of the Jewish community explore different themes; historic routes also place Svinařov in the context of connections with other places. If you are planning a stay, you can distinguish between local heritage and cycling as different travel interests.

The Chapel and the Commemoration of Robot

The chapel dedicated to Saint Procopius stands in the village square. Local residents built it in 1870, with support from Alex, Prince of Croÿ. Both the involvement of local residents and the prince’s support are therefore part of its history. Its dedication and the year give you two specific points of reference for understanding Svinařov’s religious heritage.

The Holých Cross dates from 1849 and commemorates the end of robot, the historical system of compulsory labor. Its theme differs from that of the chapel: here, the focus is on the end of a work obligation, while the chapel is a religiously dedicated building erected by local residents. The dates 1849 and 1870 place these two historical references in context and show how different Svinařov’s sites of remembrance are.

The History of the Jewish Community

Svinařov was the original center of the Jewish community in the Slabecko area. The community’s prayer room and school were housed in a wooden building, which burned down on May 15, 1866. A ritual bath for Jewish women was also established in Svinařov, in accordance with the requirements of the Jewish religion. The wooden building brought prayer and education together; the bath represents another aspect of religious community life.

Historic Routes and Cycling

Two historic routes illustrate different connections. The Modřovská pěšina led to Svinařov and was kept open to shorten the journey for people and carts performing corvée labor for the Zhoř estate. Its purpose was therefore connected with the work obligation of the time. By contrast, the historic Pěšina zámecká ran from Krakovec through the forests of Rousínov and Modřejovice onward to Slabce. Today, a turnoff from the district road to Svinařov follows its route. Comparing them helps distinguish two different route connections: shortening the journey to work was the key purpose of the Modřovská pěšina, while the Pěšina zámecká connected a sequence of places between Krakovec and Slabce.

A regional tour description from 2023 describes the cycling tour to Krakovec as easy and suitable for families. A described cycling tour from Rakovník to Krakovec passes through Panoší Újezd, Slabce, Svinařov, Rousínov and Zhoř. If you plan to include this kind of tour in your stay, check the current route before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Lhotka-Ostrovec, Krivoklat, Lašovice, Krupá, Velká Buková, Řeřichy, Senomaty, Pustověty.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Rakovník.