Hamry U Hlinska: Masopust, Vernacular Architecture and the Chrudimka

Among the defining features of Hamry U Hlinska are its UNESCO-listed Masopust procession, preserved vernacular buildings, and the history of its ironworks and watermills. A nature trail runs through Hamry, which is also set in a landscape around the Chrudimka River. This offers several ways to plan your trip: you can explore local customs and architectural history, or include Hamry as a stop along a nature trail route.

Masopust: a distinctive tradition in Hamry

Since 2010, the Masopust procession in Hamry u Hlinska has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It has been passed down in Hamry for generations, preserving its traditional Bohemian character. The procession can only be experienced in its original setting: the community where it takes place. If you would like to include this tradition in your trip, plan to visit Hamry and check the procession dates in advance.

The proceedings also include the so-called Prohánění kobyly. On the afternoon before the day of the masked procession, young men dressed as horses, along with other masked participants, visit every house in the community. This announces the events of the following day. This custom has been passed down only in Hamry and is a unique part of the Masopust processions in the Hlinecko region. Both the sequence of events and their close connection to this place are distinctive features of the tradition.

Historical traces and vernacular buildings

The history of local work goes back several centuries. In the 15th and 16th centuries, iron ore was processed in the ironworks of Hamry and Hamřík, farther north. Work at the ironworks in Hamry continued until the 18th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, three watermills were operating in Hamry. This timeline runs from ore processing to later work at the ironworks, and then to the mills at the beginning of the 19th century.

The preserved vernacular architecture also offers a tangible insight into the community. Several vernacular buildings are typical of the local foothill landscape. These include log cabin No. 25, with its decorated lattice gable. The Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk, also known as Svatojánské lázně, is also located in Hamry and is a protected immovable cultural monument. If you are interested in architectural styles, these examples offer a chance to explore different aspects of local architectural and cultural history.

The nature trail and landscape along the Chrudimka

The Vlastivědná stezka Krajem Chrudimky nature trail passes through Hamry. From Čachnov, the village is located at kilometre 14.5 of the route. There are 37 information panels along the full length of the trail, which is marked in green throughout. The kilometre marker and trail colour can help you find your way. As route details may change, check the information before setting out.

Hamry lies in a landscape around the Chrudimka River. One more specific landscape feature is the stretch of the Chrudimka upstream of the Hamerská Reservoir: in the cadastral area of Hamry u Hlinska, the stream is partly shaded and five metres wide. Alongside the cultural highlights, there are also specific details about the local landscape. Together, Masopust, vernacular buildings, local history, and the nature trail offer different ways to explore Hamry U Hlinska, depending on your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Hrochův Týnec, Trojovice, Dvakačovice, Hluboká, Střemošice, Licibořice, Vápenný Podol, Mýtka.

For the broader travel overview: Chrudim District.