A nucleus of this area is formed with river-basin of Oskava river.To the south, the countryside is open to Morava-river, divided by Doubrava (Oak-Forest). From other parts, the area is surrounded with hills of Jeseníky Mountains. At present, Uničov belongs to important towns  of Olomouc Region, and offers wide possibilities of using of free time of visitors.

Uničov is a town with its long time-period history, therefore you can see and admire several very interesting monuments. To those of most important, it belongs town hall, in a form of irregular trapezium. This is a testimony of an importace which was adjudged to a town in past. The building of town hall is placed in city centre on Masaryk Square. Now, it is a seat of town office-administration. Nevertheless, most beautiful monument, you find on square, there is one of most important Virgin Mary columns, terminated in 1743. The only preserved town gate presents one-storey Medel Gate, through which we can enter city centre. Rests of town´s fortification can be found here, too. As far as church sightseeings are concerned, you can admire Virgin Mary Assumption Church, of second half of 14th century and Minoriten St.Cross Church (now, it serves as concert hall, it has excellent acoustic dispositions). After terminating of town´s  sightseeings, you could not miss former Renaissance armoury, serving now as town´s museum and town´s lock up or fountain with Neptun and eagle.

Except of sightseeing tour around historical monuments, you can spend your free time in Uničov by means of active relax. Whole region-area offers very good conditions for tourist and cyclotouring activities. The routes lead through rivers´ and small rivers´ valleys with waterfalls, to hills with wonderfull views, to many tourist places of interest and monuments. Most of these roads are bordered by silent witnesses of people´s creative power, small bell-towers and Stations of the Cross. For those, who do not like walking, there is available the offer of six moto-touring routes. They are made in such way that the drives could be very pleasant and your knowledge as best as possible. Hilly character of the area offers many variants for spending of your free time also in winter period. Several towages for descent skiing, and many ski-running routes satisfy all lovers of winter festivities. Anyway, there is also a possibility of horse-riding, visit of local swimming pool, fishing in local ponds, or, in case of unfavourable weather, to take advantage of local covered swimming pools, sauna or bowling-line.

The existence of Uničov is dated to 1213, when it was founded by Vladislav Henry, Moravian margrave. Shortly afterthat, the town obtained several privileges, such as mile right, court and, criminal rights, but first of all, mining right. Since 1327, the trade and handicrafts occured, and Uničov became an important business as well as strategic centre on routes from east to Prague. Merchants of Uničov had the possibility to buy the goods from foreign merchant-travellers, and Emperor Charles IV. as well as Margrave Jost made for local travellers the business more easier. Nevertheless, the decisive factor in town formed German colonists. They came here in the course of the second  German colonization period - within Přemyslovci and Lucemburg era. Under their administration, the town remained till Hussite wars. In 1422, Uničov was besieged by Lithuanian Prince Zikmund Korybutovic. The Hussites had the intention that he could be their new sovereign. Korybutovic liquidated German administration and established in local parish church„ majestic Lord´s Supper of both ways“. The town was under Czech influence, and became later one of important Hussite points in Moravia. In a period of 31st March-1st April 1469, Bohemian King Georgie of Poděbrady visited personally the town and fixed in such way its Bohemian administration. Later, he granted to local citizens (for their fidelity) great privilege - Uničov was declared as King´s Town for ever, entitled to act with an ownership of Germans.

In 1479, the town was handed over, together with areas of Silesia and Lusitania, to Matthias Corvin, Hungarian King. In 1479, Uničov was accepted into servant stage, and its recalcitrant past was excused (the town fighted against him - it was on George of Poděbrady part) and even all previous privileges were confirmed. The town was in a period of its economical development, and its Bohemian character was maintained. However, for Uničov´s participation on Estates Uprising, it was taken away the privileges of King´s town in 1622, and Liechtenstein Parentage handed over its ownership.

Nevertheless, local citizens recalled against this punishment in 1629, and asked King´s Office for new obtaining evidence. This matter was checked, and the town was set free from sentence in 1632. In 1642, Moravia was besieged by Swedish troops and Uničov, similarly as the other towns, lost its position and was defeated by superior numbers. Anyway, next shock followed. In 1643, the town was seized with big devastating fire. The consequences of Swedish occupation and big fire were to be seen in town many years later. Its former glory was over for ever, the business stopped and the town started to sell its property.

So, most important period came in 1770. In Uničov met Joseph II, Austrian Emperor, Frederick II., King of Prussia. Thanks to this fact, Uničov became - in period since 31st August till 7th September 1770 - an ideal centre of Habsburg monarchy. In 1850, the history of King´s Town of Uničov was closed. The changes made with Revolutionary Year 1848, signified confiscation of King´s privileges for the town, and its economical as well as political importace dropped substantially. However, the biggest break in Uničov history came in a moment when the 2nd World War was over. German population had to leave the town and the construction of giant machinery factory started. Many new employees were needed. Uničov was enlarged, number of inhabitants increased, new dwelling houses and schools were built. The population got new modern cinema, football (soccer) and ice-hockey stadium, swimming pools as well as minigolf playgrounds. The town changed its face especially in last years. House-facades are renovated. Reconstructed monuments as well as modern infrastructure present Uničov as modern town of 21st century.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Wikipedia.com