Letohrad
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Letohrad (until 1950 named Kyšperk, in German Geiersberg) is a town in Pardubice Region of the Czech Republic. It has around 6,200 inhabitants. The town lies beneath Orlice Mountains, on river Tichá Orlice.
Villages Červená, Kunčice and Orlice are administrative parts of Letohrad.
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[edit] History
[edit] Kyšperk
First mention in written document comes from 1308 - during reign of a weak king castle Geiersberg harbored villain noblemen harassing their neighbourhood. In 1513 Kyšperk is first mentioned as a town. During last quarter of 17th century owner of the town Hynek Jetřich Vitanovský from Vlčkovice greatly improved its state: he ordered to rebuild fortress into a baroque palace, founded a baroque church of the St. Wenceslas (this church is beautifly decorated with fabulous plasters (stucco) from an Italian master Giovanni Maderna), handcraftsmen were allowed to establish guilds, hospital for poor and old people was set up. Large fire from 1824 burned down 76 houses. In 1874 railway crossed Kyšperk, starting growth of industry in the town.
[edit] Červená village
Village name was Rotnek until 1950. The village is separated from the rest of the town by cliff Hrubý kámen with a cross on its top.
[edit] Kunčice village
The village is first mentioned in written document from 1292. In 1685 brick church building was founded, it was rebuilt in 1761. Castelet Ovčín was built in 1686. Since second half of 19th century until 1922 a phosphorus matches manufacture existed here. The village became part of Letohrad in 1950.
[edit] Orlice village
The place is first mentioned in written document from 1361 (small fortress existed here) under original name Pratum (in Latin). Since 1406 it is called Orlice. The village has old church building which was burned down during Hussite Wars and was last time rebuilt in 1711. Since the end of 19th century several textile factories were built here.
[edit] Letohrad today
Main source of employment after World War II are electrotechnical industry and production of construction materials, as well as agriculture. Paneláks were built to provide housing. After Velvet Revolution (1989) historical centre of the town was renovated.
The town tries to attract tourists with cultural festivals, sport events and rich collection of historical sightings.
Letohrad has as a partner town Hausen am Albis from Switzerland.
[edit] Main attractions of the town
- Letohrad Castle [1]
- Wenceslas's Square [2] with dominating baroque Marian Plaque Column [3]
- Chapel of St. Jan Nepomuk [4]
- Municipal Museum [5] and Museum of Handcrafts [6]
- Park [7]
[edit] Famous people associated with the town
- painter Alfons Mucha (1860-1939), lived and worked in this town in years 1934-35
- writer Petr Jilemnický (1901-1949), born here
- painter Ignác (Hynek) Umlauf (1821-1851) and his brother
- painter Jan Umlauf (1825-1916), both worked and died here
- František Ladislav Hek (1769-1847), early activist of Czech National Revival, died here
- diplomat Josef Korbel (1909-1977), father of US politician Madeleine Albright, born here
[edit] External links
- Municipal website (cz)
- Town museum, town history details (cz, en, de, pl)
