Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/249

215 blind, suffered death by fire in 1424. His tomb was destroyed in 1623 by order of William of Vřesovice a commissioner of the antireformation. There is here a fine protestant church, a museum and a theatre. There is now a new monument in the town in honour of the Hussite’s great champion Žižka.

A very enjoyable excursion can be made from Čáslav to the castle Žleby (6 km by rail). This is a noble building in the English gothic, it is the property of Prince Auersperg. The castle is a veritable museum of antiquities, with its old stained glass, armour, pictures by Rubens, Dürer, Makart and other masters. There is an elegant knights hall. A splendid view of the country is to be had from the balcony.

From Žleb to Třemošnice by the local railway (9 km) and a walk of two miles brings us to the ruins of the castle Lichnice situated amidst beautiful surroundings. Near to Lichnice are the baths of Vápený Podol and the noted marble quarries.

Returning to Čáslav we start for {lang|cs|Německý Brod}} (57 km) (German ferry: „Deutsch Brod“). The church is a very ancient structure the original gothic design of which has been somewhat spoilt by later restorations. The noteworthy feature of the town-hall is its antique clock.

From Německý Brod we return by another line to Chrudim (81 km). HOTEL: BÍDA. Carriage drives can be arranged for with the proprietor of the Hotel. In 993, this place was the seat of the county government. Břetislav I died in the castle in 1050. St. Mary’s church is a venerable gothic building of the 13th century, the other churches are: St. Catherine’s—an interesting old structure, St. Michael’s, and that of the Holy Cross. There is a monastery of Capucine friars. The old house in the renaissance style, was the residence of Matthew Mydlář the public executioner who beheaded the 27 lords and other leaders of the protestant party who were condemned to death in 1621.

In the Market-place there is a beautiful fountain. The remains of the old fortifications are in a good state of preservation.

Amongst the notable men born in Chrudim, we may mention the names of: the famous lawyer Victor Cornelius