Svitavy

The town got its name according to the river of Svitavy, mentioned just before 1125 in Kosma Chronicle. Thanks to the colonization, near to river banks, there was founded, (thanks  to Premonstrate monastery of Litomyšl) a community with Roman church of St. Jiljí, known as „Old Svitava“. The second colonization (it was effected mostly by Germans) let, in the middle of 13th century, to foundation of „New Svitava“. This activity was made in the course of administration of Bruno of Schauenburg, Bishop. According to his idea, Helembert of Thurn, Westfall Aristocrat, founded the town of Svitavy. The town was submitted to Bishops of Olomouc. In 1330, it obtained important privilege, confirming so called  Mayor´s house, including communities of Čtyřicet Lánů and Moravský Lančov.

Later, at the beginning of 16th century, belonged to Svitavy dominion also communities of Hradec nad Svitavou, Sklené, Vendolí, Javorník, Horní Hynčina, Ostrý Kámen, Kamenná Horka and Chrastová Lhota. Svitavy-dominion became soon busy trade centre. In 1484, the administrator of Olomouc Episcopate, Jan Filipec, bought this dominion from Ješek Svojanovsky of Boskovice. So, Svitavy was again under administration of Olomouc Episcopate, but lost its status of district centre and  was joined to Mírov dominion. This administrative division lasted till 1775, when the office for Svitavy was renewed, with a seat in a community Čtyřicet Lánů. In spite of oft changes of local owners, 16th century meant a lot for town´s development, it can be named as „golden era“. It was fully increased guild management and political power of citizens grew. However, 30-years war brought total decline of town, and took to countries of Bohemian Crown actual danger from parts of Emperors´or Protestants´ military troops also threat of plague or cholera epidemies. After drastical decrease of inhabitants and big number of devastated estates, there had to be started resuscitation of the town. In 1786, there was formed a dominion including 24 communities. Big administration reform during 1848-1850 brought the town not only cancellation of authorities Bishop´s Office. Svitavy was declared as a seat of district court within the scope of political district of Moravská Třebová, and its development started to be continued.

Time-period from the beginning of 20th century was notified in a sign of national conflicts. However, there was - in bilingual Svitavy region - quite suitable environment. After creation of Czechoslovakia, since 1918, there appeared inclinations to join German autonomy regions, declared by German inhabitants. German language island „Schonhengstgau-Hřebečsko“ was created. It was vast area including 133 communities, and its administartive centre would become Svitavy, Lanškroun or Moravská Třebová. In 1918, Svitavy was joined to Czechoslovakia, whereas in a period since 1938-1945 formed a part of so called Third Reich. In 1945, the town was under Czech administration again. German population had to leave the region, and many immigrants from all over the country came to this region. Since 1st January 1949, new law  entered into operation, district national comiteed was founded. By this reform, new districts of Polička and Litomyšl were established. This situation remained unchanged till 1960, when National Assembly approved new administrative organisation of a state. This caused the creation of Svitavy district, part of East Bohemia region. So, in Svitavy district, there were in past independent towns of Polička, Litomyšl and Moravská Třebová. At present, Svitavy district includes altogether 113 communities and 6 towns, with totally 103 000 inhabitants. In Svitavy-town, there live nearly 18 000 inhabitants.

Nowadays, Svitavy is a town in development. You can visit here town´s museum with gallery in a villa of break of 19th and 20th century. In its interiors, you can see not only pictures or artistic subjects, but also rare books from Ottendorfer library. Svitavy - museum offers, as a unique in Czech Republic, the collection of historical washmachines. Except of this, you can watch the exposition about life and work of Oskar Schindler (he has his statue here). This Svitavy.native rescued and organised, by means of known „Schindler Survey“, transfer of 1200 Jews from his company in Poland to the community of Brněnec (near to Svitavy), and safed them their lives. Ten years ago, there was effected unique and complete reconstruction of main square in town. The town office received - as a first in the country - reward for regeneration of towns´nucleus. The square is proud of many preserved Baroque and Renaissance houses with arcades. To most important houses belongs those „U Mouřenína“ (At Moor). Old Renaissance Town Hall comes of 16th century. At the upper end of the square, there is situated parish church of Virgin Mary of 1250. Anyway, much older is the second church of St.Jiljí, founded by Premonstrate Order in 1167. Ottendorf library had in possession nearly 22000 copies of books. It was the greatest and in most modern way equipped German library, in American style, in Moravia. It was founded by Oswald Ottendorfer, local native generous patron of art, chief-editor in New York. He supported with financial gifts his native town for many years. The visitors can see and admire further places of interest, such as Mother´s Love statue, Liberty statue, rests of town´s fortification. Within scope of arrangements in the course of last years, there was built a fountain, placed in square, symbolizing life´s course. At the end of summer, the town is full of various attractions, with variegated choice of concerts and theatres (Svitavy Summer Festival).

Picturesque environs of Svitavy, with nearly untouched nature, offers excellent conditions for cyclotourist as well as walking activities. As a good tip could be recommended a walk to popular relax area of Rosnička Rybník (Tree-fog Pond). From here, it starts educational path to springs of Svitava-river, 12 kms long. As far as the wider region is concerned, the place of interest No. 1 is a town of Litomyšl, with its unique chateau. Moravská Třebová, the other town, was declared as a town monuments reservation, tahnks to its uniqued sightseeings. Just in opposite direction, you can find the town of Polička, known as native place of  Bohuslav Martinů, musician komponist. In Svitavy, you find several sporting grounds, skatepark or covered swimming pool (it is open all year round, excerpt July and August). On the contrary, town´s bathing bassin is open within July and August, and offers 50 m bassin, bathing for children, courts for brach-volleyball, sandplace, slide, swings or creepings. Winter stadium is open since November till February. Town´s proud is a modern sporting hall with outfit on European level, containing playground corresponding to international standard norms.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Mr Hyde, č.2, Jarda 75, č.2, č.3, č.4, č.5, č.6, č.7, Esperanto-klubo Písek