ABOUT THE VILLAGE:
Stechovice is a small, picturesque village, situated at close proximity to Prague. Currently it has less than 2000 inhabitants, but in the past it used to be a famous gold mining town. Recently, the place also became well-know, due to the media coverage of the two strange fortune diggers searching for the so- called Treasures of Štìchovice. Sadly, the village also suffered extensive damage following the Floods of 2002. It's hard to believe that in our day and age, such a beautiful piece of land and almost untouched, virgin nature could still be found so close to the Capital. It's the ideal spot suited for recreation and relaxation after the weekly rush and stress of work. It takes just half an hour’s ride by a bus from Smichov or Zbraslav, and even less by car.
Taking a short walk through the valley along the river Kocaba, and enjoying the forests and natural beauty of the area, one can take part in various activities including the traditional tramp jamborees and joints. There are also various other sports on offer, including football, volleyball, and other unique, home-invented sports and games. The Old Wild West is very much alive here too.
Here you can also find saloons, bars for mustangs and even real western banks. You can even choose whether you would prefer to spend the evening in Lousiana, Kansas, Mayak, or at some other of the many settlements. And all the people, are of course, good-hearted, kind, and well- spirited folk. They always keep smiling, and come Sunday evening, you’ll feel refreshed and regenerated ready for another week of hard work in the Capital.
It is believed that Stechovice received its name after its first settler - Mr. Štěch. However, the oldest archives already trace it back to 1209, when it was owned by the monastery of Plasy. In later years, Štěchovice was simultaneously co-owned by monasteries in Ostrov, Zbraslav and Strahov. In the Middle Ages, Štěchovice was renown as a gold-mining town. The Gold Rush era did not last long and nowadays we know Štěchovice as a village full of pot makers, and hard working people making their living from the river. Traditional pot making and ceramics is still very much alive and can be found in many of the town’s workshops.
The Kocába River Valley near Štěchovice was also well-known for the manufacturing of gun powder, which was still produced there until the middle of the last century. On 28th. August 1865 the first paddle steam boat reached Štěchovice from Prague. Establishing this regular water transport brought not only greatly improved connections with the capital, but also stimulated economical growth. In April 1945, hidden German Wehrmacht archives and secret documents were found in the local Dusno Valley. A year later, again in secrecy, the Americans organised a special mission from Germany to recover it and the event became known as the “Stechovice Archive” mission. Stechovice's main landmarks include the Church of St. Jan from Nepomuck built in the seccesse style, the Stechovice Bridge across the Vltava River, and the Štěchovice Dam.
Překlad J.Vašátko
Czech Republic
The portal of the
Mission of the Czech Republic to the European Communities provides
information to general public on the Czech Republic, its economy, politics,
culture and above all, its relations to the EU.
This information is presented in Czech and English.
The Official site of the Czech
Republic procures information on studying, working, business and travelling
in the Czech Republic. The site contains press releases, news and lists of
useful links. It also offers an overview of Czech history and general
information on the ongoing events in the country. A search engine is available
to the public.
This site exists in English.
The Government site features
in-depth expositions on the role, political programme and activities of the
Prime Minister and the members of the Government. Besides general background
texts, the site houses a database containing legislation, press releases, speech
transcripts and briefing notes. Particular attention is given to the EU
accession talks. The site has a search engine.
The information provided is in Czech, with some in English.
The site of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs introduces the Minister and his departments and includes a "News"
section featuring the latest press releases. There is a general introduction to
Czech foreign policy and certain topics, such as relations with the European
Union, are developed in greater detail.
This information is presented in Czech and English.
A special
public administration portal provides a detailed directory of all
authorities and bodies from national to local levels.
This information is presented in Czech and English.