Bystré

The city Bystré is situated in the region of Svitavy, approximately 12 km southeast of Polička on the Hornosvratecky Highlands at around 600 m above sea level. The centre of the city attracts attention with its extensive wavy terrain between two streams. West of the city the landscape rises to a dramatic ridge creating the water divide of the Svratka and Křetínka and surpassing 700 m a.s.l. The historical centre of the city has been declared an Urban Heritage Zone since 1990.

History

According to preserved records, a battle was led nearby Bystré in 1012 between the Czechs and Poles. Czech’s lost the battle, Bystré was demolished and raised to the ground. It was rebuilt in a new place, its current location. Under the rule of Břetislav II, it acquired hereditary rule of the princely hunter Beneš Mokošínský of Mokošína, who expanded the settlement and predestined its present day appearance. During the times of Karel IV, Bystré was under the rule of the royal Burgrave Michál of Vlašim, who resided in Svojanov Castle. At the time, Bystré was raised to a city. Following his death, custody was transferred to Oldřich of Boskovice. After his death, the estate was inherited by his sons, Ješek and Jindřich Svojanovští of Boskovice. In 1512, the Svojanov estate was handed over to Mikuláš Trček of Lípa and in 1547 it became the property of Lord Žehušický of Nestajova.

The most significant monuments

Among the most significant monuments of the city are the Baroque Town Hall and the Renaissance chateau, which was commissioned by Jan Bezdružický of Kolovrat in 1586 – 1590.