History of the town Vysoké Mýto

An interesting history and the presence of the town Vysoké Mýto makes from this town one of the most attractive tourist places in Northern Bohemia. Its history began before 1265 when it was found by the King Přemysl Otakar II. as one of merchant centres on the main connection between Bohemia and Moravia, on so-called Trstenice Road. Its regular town pattern with an uncommon large square, still the biggest in our country, is one of the top demonstrations of modern urbanism of this time. Since 1307 Vysoké Mýto was a dedicative city and it was in hold of the Czech queens. So it remained till the modern times. Thanks to its convenient position the town grew rich and gradually obtained an extensive city manor. For its own expenses they built a magnificent dean´s cathedral and a high quality stone fortification. The time of prosperity ends with the defeat of the Czech uprising of the states in 1620. The town was strictly punished by the Emperor and its economic and political power was broken.

New advancement, mainly in the cultural sphere, came as late as 19th century. First in Eastern Bohemia where Czech theatre was played. A public library and a city archive were also built here. Soon tendencies to save historical buildings and chattel sights appeared. The museum founded in 1871 arised as the oldest city museum in Bohemia. Meridian phase of the national revival is represented by the family members of Šembera, Jireček, Škorpil and personalities whose importance far over-reached the city and country barriers.

AAt the end of the 19th century were built two - At the end of the 19th century later the two largest - engineering concerns, concern Stratílek, specializing in fire-fighter technique, Sodomek´s workshop, production of carriages and later production of coachworks. Later the letter two concerns joint and a new risen concern called Karosa arose.

For two hundred years the life of local citizens was considerably being influenced by the presence of a permanent garrison. First barracks were built in the second half of the 18th century. From 1968 to1990 a strong crew of the Soviet occupational army was placed here. The use of the city garrison passed after their leaving.