History - Semily

The first written report of Semily, today the town of almost 10,000 inhabitants, comes from the year 1352, nevertheless, because it concerns a parish church, it can be assumed that the existence of Semily reaches far before the Christian Era. The town of Semily has been a residence of manorial nobility for centuries. For a long time, the estate had belonged to the Smiřický Dynasty, later on to Albrecht of Valdštejn, and after him, it was occupied by the foreign aristocratic dynasties. Within the past centuries, Semily had undergone an era of development in the fields of agriculture, commerce, craftsmanship, small-scale production, and eventually in the industry utilizing the river powers. First and foremost, Semily had the milling plants, production of yarn and canvas, printing of fabrics, and also the brewery since 1515. The construction of railroad track between Pardubice and Liberec in 1858 initiated the gradual transformation of Semily into the today’s town known primarily for the textile, wood-processing and manufacturing industries.

Culture - Semily

The town of Semily can make a show of the rich cultural tradition: the Jizera choral club was founded as early as 1860 and the fire-fighting union was established in 1871. An amateurish society was created in 1874, which is the Ivan Olbracht’s stock company today, and afterwards, the branch of Bohemian Tourists’ Club settled down here. The Town Museum and Pojizerská Gallery, both based in the Ivan Olbracht’s parental home, offer two permanent exhibitions to the visitors: „Osobnosti Semilska“ (The Prominent Personalities of the Semily Region) and „Nezapomenutá minulost“ (The Unforgotten History). Historical marionettes of the famous Maizner family are the part of the exhibition. The town’s cultural menu is complemented by the Golf Cultural Center, a promoter of cultural and social events for the general public. The Municipal Information Center provides visitors with information about the town and region, about cultural and sporting events, possibilities of accommodation and catering, and offers the tips for excursions and field trips.

Sport - Semily

Since the year 2000, the sporting activity opportunities are expanded by the Sports Center that offers premises for ball games and other sports - squash, conditional bodybuilding, aerobics or table tennis, and for relaxation you can enjoy sauna, tanning bed or massage facilities. In 1871, the Sokol organization (gymnastics club) was established here. The Club of Bohemian Cyclists, the first sporting association, was founded in 1894. The wide variety of possible activities will certainly enrich the stay of prospective visitors to this town or its vicinity. There are favorable conditions over here for hiking, cycle touring, golfing, paragliding, rock climbing, water sports and fishing, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and so on.