Mžany: History, Memorial Sites, and Třešňovka

Mžany brings together local history, memorial sites commemorating 1866, a restored orchard avenue, and its own beer production. The first written mention of the village dates from 1404. For your trip planning, these themes can be easily distinguished: around the chapel, architecture, a spring, and lime trees come together; the memorials commemorate different wars and people; Třešňovka represents the landscape above the village. The brewery, in turn, tells the story both of a reconstructed building and of local production.

Chapel, Spring, and Lime Trees

The free-standing, brick-built Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes stands at a crossroads, surrounded by mature trees. Its surroundings also include notable, protected lime trees. Near the chapel is a spring known as the “Miracle Well,” which provides water even during periods of severe drought. The chapel’s construction and location, the lime trees, and the spring reveal different aspects of the same place.

Memorial Sites Commemorating 1866

Mžany and the associated settlements of Stračovská Lhota and Dub are located in the landscape where the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 reached its climax. One specific historical landmark is Dubský hájek, between Dub and Stračovská Lhota: the battle’s first artillery salvos were fired from there. The war is commemorated by several memorials, whose dedications and locations mark different aspects. In the center of Mžany stands a large monument to the victims of both world wars. Southwest of the settlement of Mžany is a monument to the victims of the 1866 war; east of Mžany lies the grave of the Prussian soldier Michalaz. The dedications thus distinguish between remembrance of two world wars, the 1866 war, and an individual Prussian soldier.

Třešňovka and the Landscape

The landscape of Mžany offers a different focus. The orchard avenue historically known as Třešňovka runs above the village along a side road lined mainly with cherry trees. Restoration of the avenue was completed on October 24, 2015. Unlike the memorial sites, the focus here is not a monument or grave, but the restoration of an orchard avenue. The years mark different points in time: 1404 is the date of the first written mention of Mžany, while 2015 marks the completion of the restoration.

Brewery and Local Production

Pivovar Lindr Mžany produces all its beers on site. The brewery uses Czech malt, Saaz hops, and selected brewing yeast. It was established with the aim of reviving and preserving rural traditions. The extensive reconstruction of the dilapidated building led to the completion of the present-day brewery in 2014. The ingredients offer insight into the beer’s composition, while the reconstruction explains how the present-day brewery came about. Together, they show two sides of the brewery’s history: local beer production and the reconstruction of a specific building.

Discover more destinations: Nové Město Nad Cidlinou, Račice Nad Trotinou, Šaplava, Habřina, Měník, Smidary, Kunčice, Lubno.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Hradec Králové.