Libkov: Local History, Landscape and Tradition

Libkov can be explored through several specific themes: its medieval mention and changing affiliations, earlier work with flax and wood, and the defining features of its landscape. If you are looking for a hotel in Libkov, these themes may influence your choice of destination: depending on your interests, local history, cultural landscape or traditional customs may take centre stage. History and landscape complement one another and offer different ways to discover the town.

Local History in Several Stages

The first written mention of Libkov dates back to 1329. At that time, Vilémov Monastery handed the deserted settlement of Újezd Bojanov over to Jindřich of Lichtenburk for settlement. The town’s history thus begins with a grant for settlement; later records show a different kind of change, namely affiliation with an estate.

In 1555, Libkov belonged to the Oheb estate, after it passed from the possession of the Trčkové z Lípy family into the ownership of Václav Robmhapt ze Suché. In 1564, the estate was divided between two sons; Libkov remained part of Oheb, later called the Seč estate. The sequence can be divided into two steps: first the change of owner, then the division, in which Libkov continued to belong to the Oheb estate.

Landscape and Cultural Landscape

The valley of the Lupoměšský potok, bordered by forests and the horizons of the hillsides, defines Libkov’s landscape. Most of the cadastral area of Libkov u Nasavrk lies within the Železné hory Protected Landscape Area. The landscape can therefore be viewed on two levels: in terms of its broader connection to the protected area and through individual, named landscape features.

Lipovský Buk in the fields is designated as a distinctive cultural landscape feature of Libkov. A prominent individual tree thus stands alongside the broader protected-area context. The tree’s current condition should be checked before visiting the site.

Earlier Work and Regional Tradition

Local history is also reflected in the work people did in the past. Flax was once grown on a larger scale in Libkov, then spun and woven at home. Growing and processing went hand in hand: flax cultivation was followed by processing in the home. The use of wood is also part of the town’s history. In the past, residents felled timber in the estate forests and transported it to the timber-floating route on the Chrudimka.

The two examples illustrate different work processes: flax cultivation and processing at home went together, while timber work involved felling trees in the estate forests and transporting them to the Chrudimka. The traditional custom of “stínání kohouta” is also among Libkov’s cultural themes. Libkov is one of the places in the Pardubický kraj where this custom is observed. Alongside changes in estate ownership and earlier work, local history thus offers a distinct perspective through regional tradition.

Granite from Libkov and the Seč Reservoir; historical route information for marked cycling route 4112: it ran through Libkov, was 42.0 km long and went from Horní Bradlo to Sezemice.

Another connection leads from the Libkov quarry to the Seč Reservoir: granite from the quarry was selected as a suitable building material for the reservoir. This connection differs from the stories of flax and wood. It links local stone to a specific construction project and thus adds the topic of material selection to the town’s history.

Discover more destinations: Hamry U Hlinska, Premilov, Mrákotín, Hrochův Týnec, Vcelakov, Liboměřice, Peralec, Bořice.

For the broader travel overview: Chrudim District.