Discover Synkov-Slemeno: History and Orchards

Synkov-Slemeno brings together memorial sites, regional architectural history, and a themed orchard route. In Slemeno, a tradition concerning the history of the Bohemian Brethren meets an architecturally valuable structure consecrated in 1885. The almost 6 km-long Ovocnářská stezka also leads through a theme that makes the annual cycle of the orchards visible. This creates a local landscape in which culture, nature, and rural work stand side by side.

Memorial Sites and Architectural History in Slemeno

The Bratrská borovice in the cadastral area of Slemeno is a memorial site associated with gatherings of the Bohemian Brethren. According to local tradition, Jan Amos Comenius said farewell there before going into exile. Today, only a fragment of an old pine tree remains of the Bratrská borovice. According to local tradition, it is said to be up to five centuries old. The site thus combines a specific landscape feature with a tradition from the history of the Bohemian Brethren.

In Slemeno, the Chapel of St. Joseph was consecrated in 1885 and designated as an architecturally valuable structure. This means that two different historical points of reference stand side by side in the village: the Bratrská borovice is associated with memory and tradition, while the chapel is a dated structure with recognized architectural value. For a visit to the village, this creates a transition between a landscape memorial site and a building.

The Ovocnářská stezka and Its Orchard History

The Ovocnářská stezka runs from Rychnovská Lhotka via Synkov-Slemeno to Libel. It is almost 6 km long, and there are nine information panels along the route. These panels provide information about work in the orchards during the four seasons. The route thus connects three places through a clearly defined subject: its common thread is seasonal work in orchards.

The almost 6 km length gives the route a manageable framework for day planning. Those who take the information panels into account encounter fruit growing not only as a landscape feature, but also as work that extends across spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Mountains and Hills in the Regional Area

The immediate surroundings of Synkov-Slemeno include Strýc, a mountain. In the wider regional area lies Velká Suchá, also a mountain. The immediate surroundings also include Kamenec [Kostelec nad Orlicí-Kostelecká Lhota], a hill, as well as (Šíchovec) [Kostelec nad Orlicí], also a hill. The regional area of Synkov-Slemeno therefore includes both mountains and hills; Strýc is in the immediate surroundings, while Velká Suchá belongs to the wider regional area.

Two Established Railway Stops

The two railway stops are also part of the village’s history. The Synkov railway stop was established in 1919, and the Slemeno railway stop in 1936. Thus, in addition to the memorial site and chapel, the village’s history also includes the development of two railway stops.

Additional Local Pages for Your Research

Additional local pages: Zdobnice, Slatina Nad Zdobnicí, Hřibiny-Ledská, Opočno, Sedlonov, Končiny, Žďár Nad Orlicí and Skuhrov Nad Bělou.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.