Lčovice
Encyclopedia
Lčovice is a village in South Bohemian Region
South Bohemian Region
South Bohemian Region is an administrative unit of the Czech Republic, located mostly in the southern part of its historical land of Bohemia, with a small part in southwestern Moravia...

 of the Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....

 with a population of 150 in habitants. It is famous because of Zdeněk Novotný, and because it is home to the Baroque Palace.

History

The earliest historical mention of Lčovice is from 1321, when states of some Zbraslav Lčovice (Sbraslao de Ebizouiz). In place of the present castle was built during the Gothic fortress.

This section is currently a work in process

The Novotný family

Lčovice is the birthplace of Zdeněk Novotný. Born on the 15th of December in 1925, he was one of eleven children to Václav and Anna Novotný. Zdeněk lived on the family farmhouse until his teens when he joined the partisans during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

, then joined the army serving as a driver and assistant to the Generals quarters in Tábor
Tábor
Tábor is a city of the Czech Republic, in the South Bohemian Region. It is named after Mount Tabor, which is believed by many to be the place of the Transfiguration of Christ; however, the name became popular and nowadays translates to "camp" or "encampment" in the Czech language.The town was...

.
Zdeněk was an anti-communist
Anti-communism
Anti-communism is opposition to communism. Organized anti-communism developed in reaction to the rise of communism, especially after the 1917 October Revolution in Russia and the beginning of the Cold War in 1947.-Objections to communist theory:...

 so when communism
Communism
Communism is a social, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of a classless, moneyless, revolutionary and stateless socialist society structured upon common ownership of the means of production...

 took over Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia or Czecho-Slovakia was a sovereign state in Central Europe which existed from October 1918, when it declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until 1992...

 in 1949 he fled to Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...

 and lived under a false name, then lived in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...

 for a short time under another false name, and then immigrated to Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...

 by boat arriving with two British pounds in his pocket and not understanding a word of English.
Zdeněk had one daughter (Robynanne Novotny) and one grandson (Anton Roberte-Novotny), he remained in Australia with almost no contact with his family in Czechoslovakia until 40 years later just before the Velvet Revolution
Velvet Revolution
The Velvet Revolution or Gentle Revolution was a non-violent revolution in Czechoslovakia that took place from November 17 – December 29, 1989...

.

The Novotny family came into possession of their property in the 17th century when an ancestor 'whom was a carriage driver for the royal family' fell in love with a princess and received the land and the farm house as a gift. The land was later confiscated by the communist party.

Baroque Palace

Lčovice's most famous physical landmark is its castle, also known as a Baroque Palace, One of the most famous owners was the architect Joseph Zitek, builder of the National Theatre (Prague)
National Theatre (Prague)
The National Theatre in Prague is known as the Alma Mater of Czech opera, and as the national monument of Czech history and art.The National Theatre belongs to the most important Czech cultural institutions, with a rich artistic tradition which was created and maintained by the most distinguished...

. The whole area of the castle and the adjacent farm buildings are all protected as a cultural monument.

The castle is a two-story building of irregular plan, with early Baroque arcaded façade. Floor plan of the main building of the castle is mostly made up of the original Gothic fortress with 2m of heavy masonry. In main entrance on the left side of the staircase is a preserved pointed Gothic portal. The gateway dates from the early 19th century. The northern corner of the castle is connected to ten-storey annexe with baroque arched ground floor.

The area around the castle, which was founded in 1660, has an octagonal, baroque chapel (1669) topped dome and lantern, decorated with painted stucco rich. Octagonal Pavilion.

Today the building of the castle and park adjacent to private property and is not normally open to the public. Castle and Park are listed buildings.

Geography

Lčovice is a unique village in that it is actually two villages which are connected via a road. The first (and original) village is located on the hillside at a hight of 516m. This village known locally as 'upper', has beautiful, yet typical, Czech architecture. The square of the village is home to a 400 year old lime tree.

The second village known as 'lower' and is located one kilometre away at the bottom of the valley next to the Volyňka
Volynka
Volyňka is a river in the Czech Republic in the South Bohemian Region rising on the hill called Světlá hora and flowing 46.1 km northeast to city of Strakonice, where merging in Otava River. Volyňka flows through towns such Vimperk, Volyně, Strakonice. and villages such as Lčovice and Čkyně. -...

 river. Summer cottages began to be built here, when the castle was no longer required to protect them, they were closer to the Lčovice train station and land was easy to build on due to the flood plain of the Volyňka
Volynka
Volyňka is a river in the Czech Republic in the South Bohemian Region rising on the hill called Světlá hora and flowing 46.1 km northeast to city of Strakonice, where merging in Otava River. Volyňka flows through towns such Vimperk, Volyně, Strakonice. and villages such as Lčovice and Čkyně. -...

 river. Detached housing is common in lower and the architecture is obviously more modern than upper. Lower Lčovice is located between Čkyně
Čkyně
Čkyně is a village and municipality in Prachatice District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.The municipality covers an area of , and has a population of 1,513 ....

 and Malenice
Malenice
Malenice is a village and municipality in Strakonice District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.The municipality covers an area of , and has a population of 651 ....

 and is within the surroundings of the UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...

 heritage listed Šumava national park.

Volyňka

The Volyňka
Volynka
Volyňka is a river in the Czech Republic in the South Bohemian Region rising on the hill called Světlá hora and flowing 46.1 km northeast to city of Strakonice, where merging in Otava River. Volyňka flows through towns such Vimperk, Volyně, Strakonice. and villages such as Lčovice and Čkyně. -...

 river begins on a hill called Světlá hora and flows 46.1 km North-east to a town called Strakonice
Strakonice
Strakonice is a town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. Estimated population: 24,000.-History:The settlement of this region took place in the second half of 12th century when a castle was built...

, where it merges with the Otava River. The Volyňka
Volynka
Volyňka is a river in the Czech Republic in the South Bohemian Region rising on the hill called Světlá hora and flowing 46.1 km northeast to city of Strakonice, where merging in Otava River. Volyňka flows through towns such Vimperk, Volyně, Strakonice. and villages such as Lčovice and Čkyně. -...

 river flows through Lčovice and was used for drinking, washing clothes and provided a source of power to the two mills located in Lčovice.

In the modern day it is still used to swim in by the locals, as it provides a refreshing bath. It is very clean because its still in the upper course of the river and so hasn't been polluted by large cities. It is also commonly used by fisherman who not only catch fresh-water fish, but the water is also used in ponds where carp is found for Christmas time. There are two watermills in Lčovice which can be seen on the diagram above. These however are no longer in use, but the mill still remains as a historical monument today.

Weather and climate

Much like the rest of the Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....

, Lčovice has a temperate continental climate, with relatively hot summers and cold, cloudy and snowy winters. Most rain falls during the summer. The temperature difference between summer and winter is relatively high, due to the landlocked geographical position.

The coldest month in Lčovice is usually January, followed by February and December. During these months, there is usually high snowfall. During March, April and May, the temperature usually increases rapidly, especially during April, when the temperature and weather tends to vary widely during the day. Spring is also characterised by high water levels in the Volyňka
Volynka
Volyňka is a river in the Czech Republic in the South Bohemian Region rising on the hill called Světlá hora and flowing 46.1 km northeast to city of Strakonice, where merging in Otava River. Volyňka flows through towns such Vimperk, Volyně, Strakonice. and villages such as Lčovice and Čkyně. -...

, due to melting snow with occasional flooding.
The warmest month of the year is July, followed by August and June. On average, summer temperatures are about 20 degrees higher than during winter. Especially in the last decade, temperatures above 30°C are not unusual. Summer is also characterised by rain and storms.

Autumn generally begins in September, which is still relatively warm and dry. During October, temperatures usually fall below 15°C and deciduous trees begin to shed their leaves. By the end of November, temperatures usually range around the freezing point.

Infrastructure

Transport:

The village of Lčovice has its own railway station located in lower. This railway (track 198) was built in 1850 and runs from Volary
Volary
Volary is a town in South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic. It is located at around , in the Šumava Mountains, close to the border with Germany. In 1946 the German population of the town was expelled and deported by Czech forces on the grounds of the Beneš decrees....

 to Strakonice
Strakonice
Strakonice is a town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. Estimated population: 24,000.-History:The settlement of this region took place in the second half of 12th century when a castle was built...

. When this railway was first completed there was major complaints from residents about the loud noise produced by the steam engine. Although these critics quickly realised this was a small price to pay, as they now were connected with many other villages which meant they could trade with each other far easier than before the railway. People could now travel to different places in a relatively short time, whereas previously a trip to a big town or city like Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...

 would have been a two day horse ride.

In the modern day the railway has services which run through-out the day, although there have been fears the railway will be closed, it provides major tourism for the region of South Bohemia, and in Winter where skiers travel to Kubova Huť
Kubova Huť
Kubova Huť is a village and municipality in Prachatice District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.The municipality covers an area of , and has a population of 96 ....

 which had amazing ski slopes.
In June 2009 there was heavy rainfall which damaged the train line, and the section from Malenice
Malenice
Malenice is a village and municipality in Strakonice District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.The municipality covers an area of , and has a population of 651 ....

 to Čkyně
Čkyně
Čkyně is a village and municipality in Prachatice District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.The municipality covers an area of , and has a population of 1,513 ....

 was closed for repairs. The Lčovice train station was servilely damaged, due to the surface run-off from the hillside above. The České dráhy (Czech railways) got money from the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...

 to rebuild the track and prevent future damage. A large platform was then built with a drain to allow the water to escape without affecting the track. The platform has been heavily objected by criticism from villagers stating that it ruins the typical village train station 'feel' and looks more like that of a large city train station. Many large towns on the 198 route also do not have any platforms so it does seem strange that Lčovice has this. The one advantage it does provide however is easy access is for pensioners and people with disabilities, as there is no need to climb up to the train as previously.

Other than the train station is the Route 4 road which runs along the valley above upper. This is connected to upper and lower via a smaller road. Route 4 goes directly to Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...

. So this provides quick access to the village and encourages tourism.

Other transport services include three bus stops, one located on the main road (Route 4) one in the middle of upper Lčovice and one for the lower residents located next to the train station. Buses travel through these stops throughout the day.

Cycle route 1233 runs right through lower Lčovice.

Canalisation:

All cottages have 230v electricity, even the remote houses which are isolated. Currently work is under way to hide all electric cables underground. This means they are safer, and don't ruin the landscape.

Lčovice does not currently have its own sewage system, although there have been plans to create this, it has never been turned into reality. It would be possible to connect to the sewage system of Čkyně
Čkyně
Čkyně is a village and municipality in Prachatice District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.The municipality covers an area of , and has a population of 1,513 ....

 however there are disagreements between the two villages so this will unlikely happen. This means villages have to rely on their own septic tank. It is now the law that dry toilets are no longer allowed due to hygiene reasons. However many people have been unwilling to opt for the expensive septic tank option as they are not sure if the village will get its own sewage system in the future, in which case the septic wouldn't be a sensible economic option.

Lčovice like the sewage situation does not currently have water piped to the village. Most cottages rely own their own well which is connected to a pump so they get water from the tap this way. Previously it was advised not to drink the water due to dry toilets leaking into the wells and contaminating the water. This is still currently the case in upper Lčovice, (and residents bought bottled water) but has significantly improved and there is speculation that the water is perfectly safe. This issue of contaminated water is found only in upper Lčovice where houses are close together and some houses share the main village well.

However in lower Lčovice this problem almost non-existent, as they are more modern housing and so when built this was taken into account and all houses where built with a septic included. Also because the houses are well dispersed and there is clean water which is collected in the bottom of the valley from Vinec.

In terms of shops and other services, there used to be a local shop which sold fresh rolls in the morning as well as milk and other items. Although this is now closed as it was no longer subsidised. This means locals now have to travel to other villages like Malenice
Malenice
Malenice is a village and municipality in Strakonice District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.The municipality covers an area of , and has a population of 651 ....

 (as they're minted and can afford to pay to keep it) and Ckyne
Čkyně
Čkyně is a village and municipality in Prachatice District in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.The municipality covers an area of , and has a population of 1,513 ....

. They can also walk up to the petrol station (read more below) however this walk involves crossing the dangerously busy Route 4 road. The original shop was closed and opened into a pub, for a few years but has now, like the shop, closed down. There is a kiosk in lower Lčovice which is a pub, where you can sit outside next to the Volynka
Volynka
Volyňka is a river in the Czech Republic in the South Bohemian Region rising on the hill called Světlá hora and flowing 46.1 km northeast to city of Strakonice, where merging in Otava River. Volyňka flows through towns such Vimperk, Volyně, Strakonice. and villages such as Lčovice and Čkyně. -...

 and is perfect after a long walk (or a refreshing drink after cycling on the 1233 cycle route). Originally there used to be a school in the village but was closed and is now the major's offices where all meetings and discussions about the village take place.

2002 flooding

In August 2002 a 100-year flood caused by over a week of continuous heavy rains ravaged Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...

  killing dozens, dispossessing thousands, and causing billions of Euros' worth of damage. Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....

 was badly affected including Lčovice. Problems here were caused to lower residents who lived on the flood plane, upper obviously remained unaffected. Many residents had to be evacuated from the area and were not allowed to return to their home until the water level had returned to normal.

After the flood, the environmental effects where noticeable. Bare patches alongside the river where trees had been ripped out and carried away. As well as flatted plants and dead fish and other animals. It has been estimated that the ecosystem around the Volyňka
Volynka
Volyňka is a river in the Czech Republic in the South Bohemian Region rising on the hill called Světlá hora and flowing 46.1 km northeast to city of Strakonice, where merging in Otava River. Volyňka flows through towns such Vimperk, Volyně, Strakonice. and villages such as Lčovice and Čkyně. -...

took five years to return to normal. The human effects were also clear. Although the main bridge which provides road access between L1 and L2 was saved, a smaller wooden bridge (part of the 122 cycle route) was destroyed which was a significant land mark in Lčovice. Summer cottages were saved thanks to the design of them in L2 which are designed to withstand the forces of the river.

Vìnec

In the south of the village lies the Vìnec Hill which its highest point is 765m. It is notable for the remains of a Celtic fort from the time of the late Hallstatt and La Tene. The erection of the fort dates back to 5th century. BC. It is part of the cultural heritage and is illegal to remove any part of remains of the accent wall.

The Vìnec hill has been suspected to large areas being logged. As the area is privately owned, this cannot be controlled. This has caused an outrage as now the forest which covers Vìnec, has become an eyesore, and will take many years to grow back to its original growth.

The yellow petrol station

In April 2005 petrol station opened on the Route 4 road right next to Lčovice. It has been heavily objected by local residents as because of its bright colours, it is extremely visible from far away, and causes a scar on the landscape. Blue neon lights also light up at night time which cause light pollution in the valley. It has however provided good amenities for the village as it is just a short walk up to the petrol station, such as WiFi, showers and toilets, a Café with hot food, and of course petrol!

Although business has been poor, and so to encourage more people to go to the there, since 2008 music concerts have been held every year since. In 2008 Nazareth was booked to perform, and was a great success, with tickets sold out and people using the petrol stations services.

In 2009 Slade performed and although this wasn't as popular as the previous year, people still came and enjoyed the experience. Many onlookers sat around the petrol station who refused to buy tickets.

In 2010 Smokie performed which was poorly received. It is unsure whether there will a future concert.

These performances have helped put Lčovice on the concert map

This nice object

External links

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