The Meadow in Early Records
The meadow, surrounded by deep forest – today significantly smaller than in the past – is mentioned in the earliest history of Jáchymov. The preacher and chronicler Johann Mathesius wrote in 1554: “The meadow below Greschel, released by Mr Valten Broner, was assigned to the parish.”
Dr Urban, in his commentary on Mathesius’ chronicle, states that the meadow was granted for the use of the church, the parish and four clergymen, and that benefactors of the church participated in the hay harvest.
The chronicle further records that in 1555 two hundred miners cut hay there at the request of the mining master. Harvesting continued in subsequent years, and pupils of the Jáchymov school regularly assisted.
The Reichgeschieb Mine
Near the Pfarrwiese, on the opposite side of today’s road to Boží Dar, stood the Reichgeschieb mine (Valouny). Although it was not an exceptionally rich deposit, it operated until the nineteenth century. During the uranium mining era, it was briefly reopened, but the main vein contained only small amounts of pitchblende.
The Planned Water Reservoir
At the end of the eighteenth century, mines in Jáchymov and its surroundings were modernised. The new mining machinery required greater water supplies. New drainage and water adits were driven, and a water reservoir was planned at Pfarrwiese.
It was intended to collect the waters of the Stísněný stream, which turns northwest at this point, as well as local springs. The project was ultimately abandoned because medieval ponds and water channels provided sufficient supply.
Geological Distinctiveness
Geologically, the area differs markedly from its surroundings. Similar rocks occur near České Hamry between Kovářská and Vejprty on the state border and in Hammerunterwiesenthal in Saxony.
The site contains Tertiary phonolite with cavities filled with calcite crystals or needle-like natrolite. Augite and titanite are also present.
Present-Day Use
Today, Pfarrwiese serves primarily as one of the drinking water sources for Jáchymov and nearby settlements. Four spring capture points provide approximately three litres of water per second.
