Čeřen’s Miraculous Bell

At the later hotel site, in Čeřenova branka, wealthy Michal Čeřen once lived. Before a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he authorised Pacov’s townspeople to cast a bell from his money and sell his farm for the poor if he failed to return within a year. His journey lasted longer, and they complied. When he finally returned years later, the bell rang of its own accord until he reached his former house, where he died of exhaustion. After the great fire of 1727 the bell was recast and renamed Michal. The tale parallels the medieval legend of Alexius, later retold by Julius Zeyer, and occurs with minor differences elsewhere. (See Ledeč nad Sázavou.)