Schwarzenbach: Chapel History and Local Culture

• First written historical mention of the municipality of Černava: 1489.
• The chapel on the Černava–Suchá road was built around 1910 to 1920 and restored in 1992 at a considerably lower height.
• Historical granite quarrying is documented for Rájec and Kobelec, and quartz quarrying for the Černava area.

Since the First Republic, the settlements of Rájec and Kobelec have also belonged to Černava. Together with the houses in Černava, they formed an almost continuous built-up area. The area’s history therefore encompasses more than a single settlement core: Rájec and Kobelec are part of the municipality’s historical development, while the first written mention specifically concerns the municipality of Černava.

At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, Černava’s growth was linked to the industrialization of nearby Neudek, the construction of new transport routes, and employment opportunities created by the opening of several quarries in the area. These factors reflect different aspects of development: economic change, new transport routes, and additional work. They help place the area’s history in a broader historical context.

The “za kapličkou” woodland lies by the chapel on the Černava–Suchá road. The chapel was built around 1910 to 1920. After 1960, only its foundations remained; in 1992, it was restored on those foundations, but at a considerably lower height than before. Its building history therefore has three distinct stages: the original construction, the surviving foundations, and the later, lower reconstruction.

There were quarries near Rájec and Kobelec where high-quality granite was extracted. Quartz was also mined in the Černava area for glassmaking. The historical account thus distinguishes both the mining locations and the materials: granite near Rájec and Kobelec, and quartz in the Černava area.

Cultivation was also part of the area’s past. In addition to grain and potatoes, cabbage was grown near Černava. Quarries, quartz extraction, and farming thus represent different forms of historical land use. For those interested in culture, this provides a broader view of the area than its architectural history alone.

A historical procession in 2017 went from Černava to the bell tower in Rájec. Martin led a group of small glowing mountain spirits through the forest on horseback. This is a specific past example, not an indication of a regularly scheduled event.

Den pro Černavu was scheduled for September 5, 2026, at the large football field in Černava. The announcement at the time noted that plans could change and described an all-day public event from 9 a.m. to around 11 p.m. Activities planned included human table football, Kin-Ball, a mini music festival, and performances by 9. Planeta, Pjena, and Tajfun; free admission was also announced. If events are important to your trip, check the dates for your travel period in advance.

According to an older municipal plan, a pond between Černava and Rájec was used as a natural bathing area. If you are planning to swim, check current conditions and access in advance.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Joachimsthal, Gießhübel B. Buchau, Merkelsgrün, Breitenbach, Neu Rohlau, Tüppelsgrün, Karlsbad, Töppeles.

When was the chapel on the Černava–Suchá road restored?

It was restored in 1992 on its original foundations, at a considerably lower height than before. It had been built around 1910 to 1920; after 1960, only the foundations remained.

Which resources were extracted in the area?

High-quality granite was extracted near Rájec and Kobelec. Quartz was mined in the Černava area for glassmaking.

What is known about the pond’s use as a bathing area?

An older municipal plan described it as being used as a natural bathing area.

Go to the broader travel overview: Karlovy Vary District.