Stárkov

The town of Stárkov lies in the valley of the Dřevíč Creek, above its confluence with the Jívka stream, in the Broumov Promontory, surrounded on all sides by forests, fields and meadows. From Stárkov there are by class 3 roads leading to Hronov, Náchod, Červený Kostelec, Police nad Metují, Teplice nad Metují, Jívka, Radvanice and on to Trutnov. 

Stárkov is one of the smallest towns in the Czech Republic. However, its rich history means it has plenty to offer curious visitors. 

This place in the Broumov Promontory was colonised by Czech settlers as early as around 1250. Stárkov’s heyday came mostly in the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1573, Hertvík Žehušický of Nestájov promoted Stárkov to the status of a town with all the rights, including high justice. He also granted Stárkov the town's coat of arms - a golden bear on a red shield against the backdrop of pine trees. The symbolism of the coat of arms originates in the legend of a strong man who was attacked by a bear in the forest. The man not only overcame the bear, but chained it to a pine tree and later brought it home. So, do you now know where the local inn and guesthouse U Medvěda got its name? 

In 1582, the Čertorejs of Čertorej inherited the estate. Under them, the timbered rectory in Stárkov was renovated in 1660, and is said to be the oldest wooden secular building in East Bohemia. The German nobility arrived in Stárkov in the 17th century. In 1673 the estate was bought by Johann Franz von Kaiserstein, who reconstructed the chateau in Baroque style and also built a brewery. His family held the Stárkov estate until the 20th century. In 1924, they sold it to the Pejskar family, well-known factory tycoons from Police nad Metují. 

Take a trip to Stárkov and walk around the historical centre of the town, which is now a conservation area. Take a stroll around the little square in the foothills with the town hall, the Classicist fountain and historical houses. Unfortunately, the Renaissance and later Baroque chateau is not open to the public. It was rebuilt in the 20th century, as a result of which it has lost some of its original character. However, the Baroque Church of St. Joseph and the aforementioned timbered rectory with its mansard roof are well worth a visit. Another important sight in the town is the Stations of the Cross with its fourteen stone stops. It starts behind the church, continues uphill along the edge of the forest and ends at a little chapel. This remarkable and well-preserved work of art has a significance that extends far beyond the region. While you’re there, don’t miss a visit to the Dřevíček mill in the town of Horní Dřevíč. This fully working water mill is a unique technical heritage site. The water sprite, mill devils and freshly baked bread are sure to delight the whole family. 

And if you tend to prefer nature and wild rocks, you should know that Stárkov is also home to just the place. The high stone, a little-known gorge generally referred to as Dwarf Gorge, gave rise to local legends of hidden treasures or an underground city of dwarves. The place can be reached by following the blue markers from the square in Stárkov.