Stříbro

Stříbro is nestled in the Tachov District of the Plzeň Region, in the western part of the Czech Republic, about 25 km west of Plzeň and 27 km east of Tachov. It lies in the Plasy Uplands, with Jirná hill reaching 523 meters as the highest point. The Mže River flows through the town, and there's a reservoir, adding to the scenic beauty. Nearby locales include Vranov, Sytno, and Únehle, making it a hub for those exploring the region.

For mineral enthusiasts, Stříbro is a treasure trove with over 50 mineralized veins from a hydrothermal lead-zinc deposit, exploited since the 12th century. Key minerals include galena, sphalerite, pyrite, and oxidation products like cerussite and pyromorphite, with rarer finds like beudantite and linarite. The geological setting is Upper Proterozoic metamorphic rocks, likely gneiss or schist, within the Bohemian Massif, offering a rich field for study and collection.

Mining here began in 1131, founded by Duke Soběslav I, initially for silver and later lead, with a resurgence in 1554 under King Ferdinand I. It seems likely that mining continued until the late 19th or early 20th century, based on nearby village records. Today, the mining open-air museum (mindat.org) preserves this heritage, offering a glimpse into past techniques and life.

Stříbro's historic town center, with its Renaissance bridge, is protected as an urban monument zone, reflecting its medieval roots. The mining museum is a cultural highlight, connecting visitors to its industrial past. The surrounding Plasy Uplands offer natural beauty, ideal for hiking, enhancing the town's appeal.

The town experiences a continental climate, with cold, snowy winters averaging around 0°C in January and warm summers reaching 20°C in July. This climate, combined with the uplands' ecology, supports diverse flora and fauna, potentially influencing mineral formation through environmental conditions.