Strážov: Bobbin Lace Tradition and Historic Town Centre

Strážov combines a historic town centre with a history of bobbin lace, religious architecture and leisure activities. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Strážov, this mix provides a thematic starting point: you can focus on culture and local history, and consider the swimming pool and cycling routes as additional interests. Since 2003, the historic town centre has been designated an urban conservation area; it has retained its historic character.

Bobbin lace with historical roots

On 15 October 1896, a bobbin lace school was ceremonially opened in Strážov. This date anchors the local history of bobbin lace in a specific event. Today, a bobbin lace group at the local primary school keeps the tradition alive. The Krajkářská expozice (Lace Exhibition) includes a small collection of newly made lace based on patterns by Emilie Mildeová–Paličková. This brings out different aspects of the craft: its history, the tradition as it is practised today, and lace made from the designer’s patterns. For travellers interested in culture, bobbin lace is a subject in its own right alongside the town’s buildings.

Church in the oldest district

The Early Gothic parish church of sv. Jiří is first mentioned in the mid-14th century. It stands in Strážov’s oldest district, known as Hradčany. The church has three altars: the main altar is dedicated to St George, and the two side altars to St John of Nepomuk and the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Its early mention and specific altar furnishings offer two different ways to explore the church: its documented architectural history and its religious design.

Castle, chapel and historic building phases

Hrad Castle in Strážov is a medieval castle dating from the 14th century. After the mid-16th century, it was remodelled in the Renaissance style. A prismatic tower, as well as ditches and ramparts, survive from the original Gothic castle. This makes it possible to distinguish its medieval origins from a later Renaissance phase. Another historic building is the Chapel of sv. Anny: this small, masonry Baroque chapel dates from the second half of the 18th century and was built on the site of a former castle. The castle and chapel thus represent different architectural forms and periods.

Jewish cemetery on Smrková hora

The Jewish cemetery of Strážov lies about 1.5 kilometres from the centre, on the slope of Smrková hora. It contains around two hundred gravestones; the oldest date from the first half of the 18th century. The distance helps put the cemetery in context geographically, while its oldest gravestones provide a point of reference for its history.

Excursions and leisure activities

The 34-kilometre “Opálka a Strážov” excursion route passes through Strážov. The Koupaliště (outdoor swimming pool) offers a different kind of leisure activity: it has a large pool, a children’s pool and two tennis courts. The facility is about 1 kilometre from Strážov, at a junction of popular cycling routes. The history of hiking here also has a specific starting point: in 1994, a group of residents from Strážov laid the foundations for regular monthly hikes in the Šumava region.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Rovná, Krotějov, Kvášňovice, Olšany, Velhartice, Maňovice, Frymburk U Sušice, Chanovice.

Back to the overview of the wider area: Okres Klatovy.