Staré Smrkovice is located on the site of a former fortress, for which written records date back to 1347. Historical traces, the Javorka river landscape and local working traditions give the village several clearly identifiable points of reference.
History
At the site of the former fortress on the edge of present-day Staré Smrkovice, remnants of the ditches can still be seen; however, no structural remains have survived. The fortress stood on the right bank of the Javorka, and its protective embankments, which are still documented today, were supplied with water from the river.
The school in Staré Smrkovice was built in 1861.
River and Nature
A documented section of the river in Staré Smrkovice belongs to the European Site of Community Importance “Javorka a Cidlina - Sběř”. The area is a habitat for the dusky large blue butterfly (Maculinea nausithous) and the thick-shelled river mussel (Unio crassus).
In the “Javorka a Cidlina - Sběř” area, part of the thick-shelled river mussel population was relocated to the channel of the Javorka near Staré Smrkovice. The main channel is partly regulated and partly close to its natural state; the surrounding area contains extensively managed wet meadows.
Local Traditions
At the historic “Cikoria” company facility in Staré Smrkovice, 3,404 q of chicory and 234 q of sugar beet were dried. A chicory dryer, also referred to as a chicory coffee roastery, still stands in Staré Smrkovice.
The historical local craft tradition in Staré Smrkovice included three basket makers. The local municipal pub offers short-term rental of its side rooms and hall.
Local Connections
Kittlerův mlýn is an inaccessible mill in Staré Smrkovice on the Javorka watercourse. The “Farewell to the Summer Holidays” event included entertaining competitions with games and physical activities for children.
Other places: Červená Třemešná, Staré Místo, Zeleznice, Šárovcova Lhota, Valdice, Zámezí, Židovice, Lazne Belohrad
