Stará Voda
This day was kind of special for me—a day filled with unexpected moments.
I often find it hard to put my feelings into words, so I hope you can sense the mix of emotions I experienced.
There's a place not far from Olomouc, nestled in the region once known as the Sudetenland (learn more about the Sudety here). Its name is Stará Voda and once was a beautiful village, thriving and full of life. But today only the Church of Saint Anne and Saint James the Greater remains. Built between 1681 and 1689, the church attracted countless pilgrims and visitors over the centuries—and it still does.
After World War II, the village and its surroundings were transformed into what it’s now called, the Libavá Military Training Area. The Czechoslovak People's Army destroyed the village, demolishing almost all the buildings, and then when the Soviet army arrived in 1968 they delivered one last blow to what remained, leaving only the church and the graveyard as silent witnesses to its past.
Now, what made it so special for me and Romča? It was the company we kept. Having friends who are so kind and willing to share these experiences is priceless. I can’t thank Eliška and Hynek enough for making this happen and guiding us through this strangely beautiful mix of emotions as we explored. They even introduced us to Aleš—the dedicated caretaker of this place, who is determined to restore its soul. He treated us to a private tour, sharing a brief history (which I’ve already touched upon) and even played the organ for us.
This place possesses a magical yet eerie vibe, a testament to all it has witnessed. If you’re open to experiencing how history can feel rather than just be seen, come visit. There’s more to it than meets the eye.
