Benešov

The history of Benešov began just in 11th century, when there was established a community with a small church. At the beginning of 13th century, a Minor Franciscan Monastery was founded. Consequently, this community started to develop, market right was granted  and declared later as market town. In 14th century, the town with Konopiště dominion became an ownership of Sternberg  Parentage.

Their coat-of-arms (eightpointed golden star in blue field) was later derived to town´s  escutcheon. During Hussite Wars, after the town burned down, there were taken place country assemblies And again, at the end of 30-year war, town suffered from enormous pillaging.

Later, Vrtba and Přehořovský Families came here, and Piaristic Monastery Lodge (which became cultural and educational centre of the whole area for future centuries), was established. Today´s Benešov Grammar School  starts from  this tradition, and last members of this Order  teached even here recently.

At the end of 19th century, near situated Konopiště Castle was bought by successor to Austrian throne, Franz Ferdinand d´Este. He gave the castle the form we know now.

In 20th century, there worked and lived in Benešov important art-personalities, such as musician Joseph Suk, writer Vladislav Vančura, architect Ottakar Novotný, and important Czech sculptor and painter Vladislav Chlupáč.

At present, Benešov is an economic as well as cultural centre of  region. Tourists arrive here, not only to admire beauties of Konopiště Castle and park, but also to visit Museum of 20th century, where you can find all of your interest. 

Text: Ondřej Barták

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Petr1868, č.2, č.3, č.4 

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