Uherské Hradiště
In the area of south-eastern Moravia and to the east of Brno, we find Uherské Hradiště, a district town in the Zlín Region, located between the Chřiby Mountains and the Vizovice Highlands. The Prakšická vrchovina nature park begins to stretch just a few kilometers from the town. Uherské Hradiště is known mainly for its folklore, quality wine and observance of the long-standing traditions of Slovácko.
Information for visitors
Interesting facts Uherské Hradiště
Tourists in the city are most attracted by the city's monument zone and undoubtedly also by a number of marked paths, the most famous of which is probably the one that leads to the Velehrad monastery.
History of the town
The local area was inhabited as early as the Stone Age, mainly due to favorable climatic conditions. At the beginning of the 9th century, the Slavs settled three desolate islands on the Morava River, the most important of which was St. George's, and within the Great Moravian Empire, the settlement of the present-day Uherské Hradiště was one of the most important centers. After the empire disappeared, the local settlement gradually declined.
The area of south-eastern Moravia began to grow in importance again during the 13th century. At that time, enemy troops passed through this area, and in the area of St. George's Island, a town was founded, which was to serve to defend the nearby Velehrad Monastery and the land border. The town was originally called Nový Velehrad and Hradiště took over at the end of the 13th century. The name Uherské Hradiště began to be used at the end of the 16th century.
Hradiště received a number of privileges from the monarch, two annual markets were held here and the town was one of the most developed market towns in the whole kingdom. The city was surrounded by fortifications and an inner stone wall, an outer stone wall and a moat. In 1742, Hradiště was conquered by Prussian troops, but it successfully resisted the invasions of other troops.
The walls were gradually removed in the 19th century, when urban development was expanded. A grammar school, the Palace of Justice, a new town hall or a regional court were built.
Landmark and interesting places
The jewel of Uherské Hradiště is mainly its historical center, which consists of several squares and a remarkable town hall, dominated by a tower. We will also find the chapel of St. Elizabeth, a baroque armory or a baroque pharmacy, in which the original interior and decoration have been preserved.
An important place in Uherské Hradiště are also Špitálky-Sady, which is a Great Moravian acropolis with the remains of a church complex from the time of Great Moravia.
Of the church buildings, the church of St. Francis Xavier, Chapel of St. Sebastian or the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. In 2002, the Jewish synagogue was also restored.
Author: Andrea Štyndlová