Discover Pustina: Landscape, History and Culture

Pustina lies in a small depression at an elevation of 473 metres. The village is situated mostly below the level of the surrounding terrain and only comes into view shortly before arrival. This setting shapes the first impression: at first, the surroundings determine what you see, and then the village itself appears. Landscape, local history and cultural discoveries are closely intertwined here. The depression is therefore not merely an elevation figure, but a tangible part of the character of the village.

Landscape and paths around Pustina

If you would like to combine nature and culture, a footpath leads southwards from Pustina towards Řepníky, to a terrain step called Poklona above Střemošice. From there, you can enjoy views of the Českomoravská vrchovina and the Železné hory. Poklona is home to a three-sided Baroque column dedicated to the Holy Trinity, dating from the first half of the 18th century. The route thus combines movement through the landscape with a single historic destination. This connection is easy to appreciate when orienting yourself locally: the viewpoint and the monument form part of the same outing.

The highest point of Střemošická stráň near the Poklona column offers views of the Skutečsko and Prosečsko granite plutons, the Cretaceous coasts and Košumberk Castle. The nearby surroundings of Pustina also include Farářství Hill [Střemošice] and (Horní role Hill [Leština]). Jarošov Mountain is located in the vicinity of Pustina; Řetová Mountain belongs to the wider regional surroundings. The landscape therefore extends from a specific viewpoint into the wider regional area.

History and distinctive details of the village

The settlement of Pustina began towards the end of the 17th century with several farmsteads that were established as the forest was cleared. A distinctive architectural detail is Pustina’s bell tower: it was built in 1921 and designed in the form of a chapel, although it always served a secular purpose. The Pustina chronicle was written by Josef Vítek until 1939. Together, these details show that the village’s history can be traced through early settlement remains, an unusually designed structure and a written chronicle.

Library and book culture

Pustina has a public library with public internet access. A special cultural address is the Bibliotéka Čeňka Mlíky at Pustina 45. It specialises in Czech literature and the book culture of the 19th century and includes a gallery on the ground floor of a two-storey building with an area of 160 square metres. In addition to views of the landscape, Pustina therefore offers direct access to literature, local history and regional culture. At the Bibliotéka, literature, book history and exhibition space come together, making book culture visible as a distinct part of the village.

More destinations for your research

If you would like to continue your search in the wider travel area, you can also find Vlckovice, Sudislav Nad Orlicí, Radhošť, Horní Čermná, Hnátnice, Rviště, Horní Heřmanice and Ceske Libchavy here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Ústí Nad Orlicí.