Polevsko

Polevsko (German: Blottendorf) is a village in the Česká Lípa District, in the southern part of the Lusatian Mountains, north of Nový Bor, at an elevation of 490 meters. It has a submontane character and lies in hilly terrain, surrounded by mountains and forests. Nearby lies Polevský vrch, with an elevation of 626 meters above sea level. The village is located within the Lusatian Mountains Protected Landscape Area. It is not known exactly when the village was founded. The first mention of it appears in the town register of Lipa from 1461; other preserved records of the village’s existence were recorded by the scribe Gregorius between 1471 and 1481. The first houses were built by settlers who came from Bavaria. They cleared the existing forests to create farmland. In the 16th century, the Oppitz family of glassmakers arrived from Bavaria, leading to the development of glass production and glassmaking techniques. In 1683, they were granted guild privileges for glassmaking. The priority of the Polevsko glassmakers was exporting glass abroad. Later, a glassmaking school was established, and its reputation grew particularly at the turn of the 18th 18. and 19th centuries. Around 1813, the local glass industry began to decline due to competition from Nový Bor.

What you should see

All Saints Church – The church in Polevsko was built between 1716 and 1718 by Petr Pavel (Paul) Columbani of Litoměřice, a builder of Italian origin. It was built in the Baroque style and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Funding for the construction was provided by the Kittel family, who were glassmakers. A cemetery was also established next to the church in the 18th century. In 1735, it was designated a parish church. It burned down in 1939 but was quickly repaired, allowing services to resume that same year. It is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. In winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing on groomed trails and slopes.