Jirkov is a small town situated between Most and Chomutov in the Ústí nad Labem Region of the Czech Republic and is situated on the Chomutov - Ústi nad Labem railway line. Although geographically close to the German border, the presence of hills along the border hinders land travel to Germany. Jirkov is also a place of cultural and sports activities. A citizen can attend many sports clubs and organizations, use the many cycle routes around the town or participate in one of the town-organized activities, such as the Jirkov Crossmarathon.
History
Červený Hrádek Castle
Červený Hrádek was founded by the Kraa family prior to 1415. The castle was sacked by the Hussites in 1421 and, after renovation later in the 15th century, the façade was painted red – hence the name Červený Hrádek. In 1687 and 1688, the baroque sculptor Jan Brokoff carved statues, fountains and other works at the castle. His son Ferdinand Maxmilian Brokoff, also a sculptor, was born there. The last aristocratic family to own the castle were the Hohenlohe-Langeburgs, Accessible areas of the castle include the castle's chapel, the hall of mirrors, the gallery and the study of Max Hohenlohe, the last owner. In August 1938, the British mediator in the dispute between Germany and Czechoslovakia over the Sudetenland, Lord Runciman, met the leader of the Sudeten German Party, Konrad Henlein, at the castle.
Long cellar
Long cellar was built in year 1555. People built cellar for 40 years. It had 150 counters. Its second name is Sand cellar. Long cellar served to the brewery and to a beer storage. Thanks to this, the beer was better. Beer was brewed in Jirkov from year 1443. People brewed beer in the 16th and 17th centuries. A brewery was built near Long cellar in year 1841; thanks to this, Long cellar lost importance. Until 1918, the town was part of the Austrian monarchy, in the KOMOTAU district, one of the 94 Bezirkshauptmannschaften in Bohemia. From 1938 to 1945 it was one of the municipalities in Sudetenland. After the surrender of Germany, nearly all of the town's hitherto inhabitants were expelled, and new Czech settlers found a new home in the depopulated city.
St. Jiljí's Church
The oldest monument in Jirkov. St. Jiljí's Church was originated in year 1300. It was rebuilt and improved in year 1538 again.
Legend
A Black rider
It happened in year 1588. Jirkov juniors made a party of Masopust. When Masopust party stopped in front of the cemetery, a drunk capitan blew his trumpet, and called: “dead people,don’t be lazy, quickly wake up, it’s Masopust.’’The people went to Chomutov and back..
Education
ZUŠ
ZUŠ is a type of Art School in the Czech Republic. ZUŠ Jirkov - formerly a primary school. In year 1950 the primary school became ZUŠ. The reason was: a town built four new primary schools, and one special school. Now, there are lessons of music, dancing and painting.
