CZ, Hranice – A Town You Should See

The town of Hranice is situated along the right bank of the Becva river (near the confluence with the Velicka).  The first historical records of the town comes from 1169. Then the town was the subject of territorial dispute. Originally a market settlement soon became a center of trade, economy, and administration of vast dominion this all thanks to the skillfulness of the locals and town's strategic location. True, lords changed quite often here. But everyone of them added to town's development. The Jews were allowed to buy houses from 1611. This led to the establishment of religious community in Hranice. Later, Hranice came under the influence of the bishopric of Olomouc. The construction and machienry industries also influenced the town. Historical suburbs were replaced with "modern" architecture. We should also mention military strucutres such as the famous Austrian-Hungary military compound which is the headquarters for the 7th mechanized brigade of the Czech Army.

Hranice is an easy to access place for any traveller. The main road and railroad arteries between Prerov and Ostrava go through this town. also, you can get to Valasske Mezirici from Hranice and then continue to Vsetin or even to Slovakia. Near Hranice, there is the spa town of Teplice nad Becvou and their nature gem - the aragonite caves of Zbrasov.

The historical centerhistorické centrum is a town landmark area. There are several unique historical sights which we would visit. First, when approaching the town we enjoyed the nature of Oderske Hills and the Podbeskydska highland. Only the cement works situated on one of the hills spoiled our first impression. 

Still, we continued to look around whats there. What was the most interesting for us was Chateau Hranice built on a Pernstejn castle. This Renaissance gem has unique arcades and it operates a museum and also municipal administration's offices. There is also a visitors' center. The entire chateau has been recently renovated. One of the most beautiufl parts is the yard. There is a glass roof over it. The chateau tower is a perfect place to enjoy the views over the surroundings. Near the chateau there are ruins of late-Gothic municipal ramparts. And there is even a resting area below it where you can find a small wine bar, fountain, orangery, monkeybars, a small podium, and many benches hidden in the greenery.

Near, there is vast Masaryk square with Old Town hall and an observation tower. You can arrange for climbing it up because there is an amazing view up there. By the way, you may even spot the viaducts of Hranice. Before the climb, however, you will wlk by the greatest landmark on the square - the Decapitation of St John the Baptist church built in the Baroque style. There are many town houses in Hranice as well as a 3,07-hectare arboretum.

Visit the Jewish cemetery as well as Moor-Byzantine style synagogue. There is a place of pilgrimage at town's eastern edge. The center of it is the Birth of the Virgin Mary church. Last but not least, the cultural sight of Czechoslovak Legions' Orchards (Sady Cs. legii) is worthy your attention as well.

This is not all. Many other interesting places you need to discover by yourselves for we end our visit in Hranice today. Next time we travel to another interesting place in Moravia.

GPS: 49°32'53.1"N 17°44'05.0"E

Text and photos: Oskár Mažgút