Nové Město pod Smrkem is located about 20 kilometres (12 mi) northeast of Liberec, on the border with Poland. The northern part of the municipal territory lies in the Frýdlant Hills, the southern part extends into the Jizera Mountains. The highest point is a contour line below the top of Smrk at 1,115 m (3,658 ft) above sea level. The built-up area is situated in the valley of the Lomnice Stream.
History
Nové Město pod Smrkem was founded in 1584 by Melchior of Redern and called Nové České Město (German: Böhmisch Neustatt, literally "New Bohemian Town"). There were discovered iron ore and tin veins. In 1592 it received town privileges. From 1901, the town has its current name. Since 1945, only the Czech name is used.[2]
Nové Město pod Smrkem is the final station of a railway line from Liberec.[5]
Sights
The Church of Saint Catherine was founded in 1607 and the tower was added in 1697. The nave was rebuilt to its present form in 1821–1829.[6]
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is located in Ludvíkov pod Smrkem. It dates from the second half of the 13th century and belongs to the best-preserved building in the region from this period. Modifications were made in the 16th and 18th centuries.[7]
Notable people
Vincenz Hasak (1812–1889), German Catholic historian