Ždírec () is a municipality and village in Jihlava District in the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 400 inhabitants.
Etymology The name Ždírec is a diminute of žďár. It was derived from the Old Czech word žďářit, which means 'to remove the forest with fire' (slash-and-burn). It refers to the method used during colonisation to create space for newly established settlements.
Geography Ždírec is located about northeast of Jihlava. It lies in the Upper Sázava Hills. The highest point is at above sea level. The stream Ždírecký potok flows through the municipality. The stream supplies several small fishponds. The upper course of the Šlapanka River crosses the municipal territory in the east.
History The first written mention of Ždírec is from 1233. From the 13th century until 1945, Ždírec was ethnically a German village. It belonged to the German-speaking enclave called Jihlava Language Island. After World War II, the German-speaking population was expelled and the municipality was resettled by Czechs.
Demographics
Transport There are no railways or major roads passing through the municipality.
Sights
The main landmark of Ždírec is the Church of Saint Wenceslaus. It was built in the pseudo-Gothic style in 1893–1898, after the old church was destroyed by a fire in 1890.
Other sights include a Baroque sculptural group of Saint John of Nepomuk from 1743, a Baroque statue of Saint Anthony of Padua from 1753, and the building of the retirement home from 1926 with the Chapel of the Virgin Mary.
References
External links