Old Maletín

Starý Maletín lies in a hollow almost entirely surrounded by forests in the western part of the Mírovská vrchovina uplands. The village thus combines a clearly recognizable landscape with a remarkably dense succession of ecclesiastical, sculptural and architectural heritage. If, during your stay in the Czech Republic, you are looking not only for accommodation but also for a place with specific discoveries to make, you will find various points of interest here: religious art, regional architectural culture and the history of Maletín sandstone.

Church, Cemetery and Baroque Art

The parish Church of St. Nicholas in Starý Maletín dates from 1804–1805. Its grounds include a cemetery, a surrounding wall and gateways. In the cemetery behind the church stands a Calvary ensemble dating from 1848. It depicts Christ on the cross, as well as Mary Magdalene, Our Lady of Sorrows and St. John the Evangelist. The site can therefore be viewed not merely as a single building, but as an interplay of church, cemetery and religious art.

The church grounds also include a local stone cross dating from 1750, located by the rectory. The cemetery’s surrounding wall dates from the early 19th century. In the centre of the village stands a Baroque Marian column dating from 1725, which was enlarged in 1883. Also dating from the second quarter of the 18th century is a Baroque statue of St. John of Nepomuk, attributed to the sculptor J. H. Heintz.

Another noteworthy piece of the village’s history is House No. 1. The building is an example of the masonry vernacular architecture of the first half of the 19th century, richly decorated with Maletín sandstone, and features a portal dating from 1839. A biographical connection is also recorded: Emilie Schindlerová was born in Starý Maletín on 22 October 1907.

Maletín Sandstone as an Experience in Its Own Right

In the surrounding area, sandstone is more than just a decorative building material. Sandstone has been quarried around Maletín since the 16th century and was later increasingly used as a material for large structures and sculptural works. At Kubíčkův lom, an educational trail introduces visitors to the subject of Maletín sandstone. There is also an outdoor photographic gallery with captions about sandstone fossils of plants and animals. Those travelling with children or looking to combine different family interests can choose a specific natural and cultural experience here, without limiting their visit to sightseeing in the village alone.

Starý Maletín as a Place to Stay

The landscape of the wooded hollow shapes the first impression of the village, while the church, sculptures and sandstone provide variety in terms of things to explore. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether Starý Maletín suits a stay in which you would like to explore the local architectural culture and landscape together. For getting around locally, it is also relevant that bus connections provide public transport within the municipality of Maletín.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

Other places to consider: Hynčina, Líšnice U Mohelnice, Bušín, Hrabová, Jakubovice, Bludov, Stity and Heroltice.

For the broader travel overview: Šumperk District.