Svatá: Nature, Views and Mining History

Svatá combines the deep forests of Křivoklátsko with an unusually multifaceted history. The village lies in the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area and on the edge of the deep Křivoklátsko forests. Those who want to combine nature, historical traces and regional events will find here a starting point with a distinct character of its own.

Vraní skála: Natural Monument and Viewpoint

The most prominent natural destination near Svatá is Vraní skála. It is a 20.7-hectare protected natural monument and geologically consists of four siliceous blocks. At the same time, the formation serves as a viewpoint. At Vraní skála, visitors can use a viewing platform and iron landscape telescopes, so the visit is shaped not only by the rock formation itself but also by the view across the landscape.

Marked hiking trails lead to Vraní skála from several directions. Svatá is one of the nearest starting points. Those who primarily want to experience the rock formation and the trails leading to it will find one of these starting points in Svatá.

Mining History Around Svatá

The history of the village is closely connected with the natural resources of the surrounding area. The uninhabited historical locality around the siliceous Svatská skála – known by the names Swatá Hora, Hory Swate and Swatá – has been mentioned indirectly since the 15th century in connection with the mining of iron ore, cinnabar and tin. A decree issued by Ferdinand I in Augsburg on 9 May 1548 promoted the mining and trade of copper, tin and mercury at Svatá Hora.

Mount Pravá hora is also part of this historical context: Cinnabar mining beneath the mountain near Svatá continued until approximately 1760. The economic past of the surrounding area thus extends from early references to the extraction of natural resources through to the middle of the 18th century.

The regional history also includes the connection between Jindřich Fügner and Miroslav Tyrš. In the second half of the 19th century, Prague textile merchant Jindřich Fügner spent the summers with his wife and daughter at Myslivna Na Králi; Miroslav Tyrš lived in neighboring Nový Jáchymov as a tutor. The two first met at the Hájovna, and their friendship led to the founding of the patriotic gymnastics association Sokol in 1862.

Festivals, Regional Cuisine and Winter Days

Svatá also displays its local character through recurring events. The “burning of the witches” is held annually in Svatá during Svatojakubská noc. Staročeské máje also take place in May. Those who visit the village at an appropriate time can therefore combine the landscape with regional traditions. For a culinary addition, Restaurace Na Svaté offers game dishes.

The surrounding area is not limited to the warm season. Under favorable winter conditions, it offers opportunities for cross-country skiing. This is expressly dependent on the prevailing winter conditions and is therefore a seasonal additional attraction, not a year-round promise.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

Buses run several times a day from Svatá to Králův Dvůr and Beroun, and in the opposite direction to Kublov, Broumy and Skryje. This means that the choice of location can be considered not only in terms of nature and culture but also on the basis of a specifically documented bus connection. Depending on the focus of your stay, you can view Svatá as a starting point for Vraní skála, a base for historical discoveries or part of a larger exploration of the surrounding area.

For comparison with other destinations, you can also visit Měňany, Hostomice Pod Brdy, Suchomasty, Rpety, Praskolesy, Lužce, Stašov and Podluhy.

To the main travel overview: Beroun District.