Synkov-Slemeno: Chapel and Orchard Nature Trail

Culture and orchards in Synkov-Slemeno

Synkov-Slemeno can be explored through two distinct themes: the memory associated with the Bohemian Brethren in Slemeno and the orchards that are the focus of the Ovocnářská stezka. The Chapel of St. Joseph in Slemeno is another point of interest. This offers visitors a choice of both individual cultural and historical landmarks and a themed route. At Bratrská borovice, the focus is on a memorial site and local tradition; at the chapel, on the building; and on the Ovocnářská stezka, on work in the orchards throughout the year. When choosing where to stay, you can weigh whether local history or the theme of fruit growing through the seasons matters more to you.

Bratrská borovice and local tradition

The Bratrská borovice memorial site is located in the cadastral area of Slemeno and is associated with gatherings of the Bohemian Brethren. According to local tradition, Jan Amos Comenius bade farewell there before going into exile. A fragment of the old pine tree remains today; its age is also estimated at up to five centuries, according to local tradition. It is important to distinguish between these points when assessing the history: the connection to the gatherings and the story about Comenius do not have the same status.

Chapel of St. Joseph

Another cultural and historical landmark in Slemeno is the Chapel of St. Joseph. It was consecrated in 1885. A municipal planning document from 2024 also lists it as an architecturally valuable building. The year of consecration and the designation emphasize different things: the date provides a specific point in time, while the designation describes its architectural classification. Unlike Bratrská borovice, the focus here is on a named building rather than a memorial site whose history is also shaped by local tradition.

The Ovocnářská stezka

The Ovocnářská stezka runs from Rychnovská Lhotka through Synkov-Slemeno to Libel and is almost six kilometers long. Nine information boards along the route explain work in the orchards throughout the four seasons. This gives you both a specific distance and a clearly defined theme for planning an outing. The route has a different focus from the chapel and Bratrská borovice: while these are individual cultural and historical landmarks, the nature trail centers on fruit growing and seasonal work.

Railway stops in local history

The history of the railway infrastructure can also be traced through two dates. The Synkov railway stop was established in 1919, and the Slemeno railway stop in 1936. There are 17 years between the two dates. Together with the chapel’s consecration in 1885, the three dates can be placed in chronological order: first the chapel, then the Synkov stop, and later the Slemeno stop. This places building and infrastructure history side by side in a chronological perspective.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Žďár Nad Orlicí, Rícky V Orlických Horách, Třebešov, Krchleby U Kostelce Nad Orlicí, České Meziříčí, Uhřínovice, Solnice, Byzhradec.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Rychnov Nad Kněžnou.