Brtnice

Sister cities

• Orpund

History

The first written mention of Brtnice is from 1234, when it was donated to the convent in Předklášteří by King Wenceslaus I. From 1410 until 1623, it was owned by the Brtnický branch of the Waldstein family. During their rule, Brtnice prospered and the castle was built. In 1588, a church, that time consecrated to Saint Matthias, was built next to the castle. After 1623, Brtnice was acquired by the Italian noble family of Collalto, which owned it until 1945. This family also cultivated Brtnice. The family had built a monastery and had rebuilt the castle, interiors of the church, and houses on the square in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. Brtnice was promoted to a town in 2000.

Geography

Brtnice is located about southeast of Jihlava. It lies in the Křižanov Highlands. The highest point is at above sea level. The Brtnice River flows through the town.