Bystřice nad Pernštejnem

Sister cities

• Crimmitschau
• Mád
• Boguchwała
• Vranov nad Topľou

History

The first written mention of Bystřice is from 1238. It was founded by the Lords of Medlov during the colonisation in the 13th century. In the 14th century, it became the administrative, economic and commercial centre of the surrounding villages in the Pernštejn dominion. In 1348, it was first referred to as a market town. In 1446, Bystřice became a property of the Pernštejn family. During their rule, it gained various privileges and rapidly developed. Bystřice was promoted to a town by Rudolf II in 1580. By this occasion the town received its coat of arms. The owners of the town changed frequently after 1588, when it was sold by Jan V of Pernštejn. The prosperity was interrupted by frequent fires. The most destructive fires occurred in 1585, 1666 and 1841. In 1905, the town was connected by railway with Žďár nad Sázavou and Tišnov which contributed to development of local industry. The town also benefited from the development of uranium industry in Dolní Rožínka. The Jewish population disappeared as a result of the Holocaust and it was not renewed after World War II.

Geography

Bystřice nad Pernštejnem is located about east of Žďár nad Sázavou and northwest of Brno. It lies in the Upper Svratka Highlands. The highest point is the hill Přední skála at above sea level. The Bystřice Stream flows through the town. In the north, the municipal territory borders Vír I Reservoir.