Svitavy

Svitavy is the centre of the region situated on both sides of the border between Moravia and Bohemia. The town, founded in the 13th century close to the significant mercantile trails, belongs among the oldest in the region. Traditionally the textile and machine-building industry prevailed there, which imprinted the specific characteristics and style of an industrial town.

But nevertheless, numerous cultural and historical monuments, which are worth taking note, can be found there. The Ottendorfer's Library built in American style in 1892 with the support of the Svitavy native and patron Valentin Oswald Ottendorfer is nowadays the seat of the only Czech Museum of Esperanto. Furthermore, there is the Town Museum and Gallery where you can find a unique exhibition of washing machines and a permanent exhibition entitled “Searching for the Star of David” presenting the story of Oskar Schindler, who was born in Svitavy, and the history of Jewish settlement in the region. Within centuries three churches were built in the town – the oldest is the Church of St. Gile at the cemetery, then the Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary on the square and the youngest Church of St. Joseph from 1894.

The most significant monument of the town is clearly the historical centre where you can visit the second longest square in the Czech Republic with many Renaissance and baroque buildings which is arcaded on both sides.