Staré Buky: History, Church and Excursions

Staré Buky brings together a distinctive local history and a long, spread-out settlement. The historic settlement comprises Dolní Staré Buky, Prostřední Staré Buky and Horní Staré Buky, lies on both banks of the Starobucký stream and stretches for about five kilometres. When choosing a destination for your stay, the three parts of the village offer a useful guide: Staré Buky refers not just to a single point, but to a settlement along the stream. The Church of St. Anne is the most prominent historic landmark; a statue and a chateau also contribute to the character of the place.

The Church of St. Anne: Construction History and Details

The Church of St. Anne is the only registered cultural monument in Staré Buky. The church’s history dates back to 1355; a consecration or dedication of the church building is mentioned for 1360, possibly to the Virgin Mary. The present-day Church of St. Anne was built in 1692 by Baron de Waggi and extended in 1755 by Count Wilibald von Schafgotsch. The church acquired a presbytery in 1802, a manorial crypt in 1804 and a church tower in 1836. The chronology distinguishes early references to the church’s history from the construction of the present building and its later additions.

Seven tombstones are set into the exterior wall of the Church of St. Anne; the oldest dates from the 14th century. Other features include an illusionistically painted tracery window and medieval trowel plasterwork, almost entirely preserved, with four concentric red circles. The church’s history cannot therefore be understood solely through its construction phases: the combination of embedded stones, painted architecture and surviving plasterwork also shapes its historic appearance.

Around 2006/2007, the Church of St. Anne became the property of the municipality of Staré Buky; preservation work began immediately afterwards. This more recent conservation phase adds municipal acquisition and the subsequent work to the church’s long construction history.

Other Historical Landmarks

Traces of different periods can also be found outside the church. The statue of St. John of Nepomuk was created in 1715 and, after restoration, was re-erected at the beginning of the avenue by the Staré Buky municipal office. The two-storey Neo-Gothic chateau dates from the late 19th century and stands near the original site of the manorial residence. The statue and chateau differ in date and style; together, they complement the church’s history with further historical points of interest.

Dolce, Views and an Excursion Route

At the nearby Dolce recreation area, a cascade of ponds offers opportunities for swimming, minigolf, tennis and volleyball. Cycling in the surrounding area is also possible. Individual facilities and their operation may change. If a particular activity is important to your plans, check what is currently on offer in advance. From a viewpoint in Staré Buky, you can look across the Dolce recreation area towards the Krkonoše Mountains; distant views are weather-dependent. The described excursion route connects to a blue-marked hiking trail. As local markings and trail surfaces may change, check conditions on site before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Vilantice, Chvaleč, Vitezna, Mladé Buky, Beckov, Hřibojedy, Velké Svatoňovice, Dolní Malá Úpa

For the broader travel overview: Okres Trutnov.