Divišov
Encyclopedia
Divišov is the market town in the Czech Republic
, lying near the Sázava River
and Blanice River, 39 kilometres (24.2 mi) southeast of Prague
.
Villages Dalovy (240.32 hectares (593.8 acre)), Křešice u Divišova (185.26 hectares (457.8 acre)), Lbosín (362.27 hectares (895.2 acre)), Měchnov (462.33 hectares (1,142.4 acre)) and Zdebuzeves (728.28 hectares (1,799.6 acre)) are administrative parts of Divišov.
since the early 13th century. Legend says that in those times the fortress was a seat of the Templars who are said to have hidden a treasure somewhere in the Český Šternberk Castle
. During the Hussite Wars
, it was the centre of Catholic resistance to the violent Hussites: the major thief of Hussites Prokop the Great
unsuccessfully besieged it three times, and it joined the league of Romanist nobles against King George of Podebrady
. In the 14th century, it was the tenth-largest town in Bohemia. In 1637 the town was occupied for eight months by the Swedes
. In 1741, the Prussians vainly attempted to conquer the town. In the 18th century, development of industry and trade began to take place, which continued into the next century. Soon after the industrial revolution, the town became one of the industrial centres of Bohemia
—sometimes it even being called the Czech Manchester
. The electric power transmission has been installed at Divisov in 1924, gas 60 years later. During 1920s and 1930s the town grew rapidly and due to many buildings of modern architecture Divišov became known as the Salon of the Bohemia
. The first Nazi soldiers has been firmly welcomed on March 25, 1939. All 17 Divišov Jewish families had run away or have been ordered to transport out of Protectorate Bohemia and Moravia. No one of them got back home. At this time there lived also 2 Ukrainians
. According to Nazi reglement each farmer had to transfer 80 kg beef
and 25 kg pork
for 1 hectares (2.5 acre) arable soil.
The development continued in the 20th century when the construction of Highway D1
linking Prague
to Wien
has been completed, the factory for the production of feber instruments, and the shop of armed vehicles were founded here. The district became famous as a fish pond farming area.
Divišov has about 1,600 permanent inhabitants and several hundred people from Prague come on weekends to second homes in the town. Divišov is an important industrial centre: there is JAWA, a motorbike factory, a transport company, a heavy machinery factory and an electronic equipment plant. Since 2006, the town of Divišov has organized annual Rockfest Festival taking place in June, which has already become a local tradition, and has been attended by many Americans and Germans
.
Since 1905, a famous horse race, Divišov Steeplechase (Divišovská klisna) has taken place every fall (third Sunday in October). It is said to be one of the quickiest horse race on the continent.
Divišov has an antique centre square and old Jewish town, old Jewish Cemetery 1706 and Jewish Museum
with recently renovated Catholic Church from 1374 and old synagoge from 1779 that stay open until late in the evening. There is a growing Jewish community in the area.
Rabbi
s and synagogue
ministry :
Even before that human settlement was a little bit sparse and for centuries forests dominated over human dwellings and pathways. These former circumstances led to the unique preservation of unspoilt nature and forest ecosystems relatively unaffected by human activity. On the other hand, many habitats dependent on farming activity are slowly turning into forest. Notable and rare animals include the brown bear
, golden eagle
, common kestrel
and the black stork
. Quite common are red deer and wild boars. Important Divisov endemic plants in the area are the Carpathian harebell (Campanula carpatica), Pulsatilla slavica, Hesperis silvestris, Liguria sibirica, and Saxifraga paniculata
. There are numerous finding places of agates, amethysts, jaspers
, chalcedonies
and other kinds of precious stones in the volcanic rocks. The treatment of these precious stones has been connected with the history of the town of Divisov for several centuries.
The Divišov region of deep forests is a popular holiday destination because it is excellent hiking country. Most interesting natural and cultural sights are connected with more than 500 kilometres (310.7 mi) of summer marked trails and many bike trails.
and by train Cesky Sternberk
from Prague
, Brno
or Wien
.
- despite official ban - is a natural swimming pool where yachting and windsurfing are possible. There are restaurants and leisure facilities with sporting grounds and a minigolf. A walking path with a chance of observing water birds is also available. In this romantic area, that is situated on the middle part of the Sázava
river, variety of nature beauties is bound with rich historical buildings: castles, chateaux and folk architecture
The town is the centre of tourism
- in winter you can go skiing, in summer you can go cycling
, bicycle touring
or bathing
. The well-known Divisov-Sázava
Cycle Route is part of an international network of cycling routes all over Europe. One of the main reasons however for its popularity is probably the fact that there are no significant level changes from Divišov on. It is practically downhill all the way from Divišov to Kutná Hora
. Gliding
, paragliding
and hang gliding
are also popular sports in the Divisov Region.
, all the way to Krkonoše and Blaník
.
and Blanice
rivers flows. These rivers all spring from the Českomoravská vrchovina . Owing to heavy precipitation (mostly snow), the peat bogs and the Želivka
water dam, the Divisov region is an important water reservoir for Central Europe. More important for their aesthetic value than for holding water are several lakes of glacial origin (e.g. peatery and marsh
near Drahňovice
).
Divišov connected to Želivka
and Prague
Industrial areas via the Želivka Canal. Nearly all of Divisov's drinking water is brought to the town via large water pipeline, built in the half 19th century. The pipeline stretch 80 kilometres (49.7 mi) and the Želivka
sources are pristine and the water does not require treatment.
Divišov community also runs the Region Journal and hosts a Centre for Christianity
and Interreligious Dialogue.
the author describes how a young virgin meets up with a local police officer from Divišov, who is constantly drunk and who mistakes her for a Russian spy.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
, lying near the Sázava River
Sázava River
Sázava is a river in the Czech Republic. It is a right tributary of the Vltava. Its length is , watershed area measures . The river Sázava emerges from Velké Dářko Lake and enters the Vltava in the municipality of Davle south of Prague ....
and Blanice River, 39 kilometres (24.2 mi) southeast of Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
.
Villages Dalovy (240.32 hectares (593.8 acre)), Křešice u Divišova (185.26 hectares (457.8 acre)), Lbosín (362.27 hectares (895.2 acre)), Měchnov (462.33 hectares (1,142.4 acre)) and Zdebuzeves (728.28 hectares (1,799.6 acre)) are administrative parts of Divišov.
Development
The town was founded before 1130 but there had already been a monasteryMonastery
Monastery denotes the building, or complex of buildings, that houses a room reserved for prayer as well as the domestic quarters and workplace of monastics, whether monks or nuns, and whether living in community or alone .Monasteries may vary greatly in size – a small dwelling accommodating only...
since the early 13th century. Legend says that in those times the fortress was a seat of the Templars who are said to have hidden a treasure somewhere in the Český Šternberk Castle
Český Šternberk Castle
-The castle in popular culture:Český Šternberk castle appears in several scenes throughout the Albanian-Czech romantic drama film The Sorrow of Mrs. Schneider...
. During the Hussite Wars
Hussite Wars
The Hussite Wars, also called the Bohemian Wars involved the military actions against and amongst the followers of Jan Hus in Bohemia in the period 1419 to circa 1434. The Hussite Wars were notable for the extensive use of early hand-held gunpowder weapons such as hand cannons...
, it was the centre of Catholic resistance to the violent Hussites: the major thief of Hussites Prokop the Great
Prokop the Great
Prokop or Prokop the Great was one of the most prominent Hussite generals of the Hussite Wars...
unsuccessfully besieged it three times, and it joined the league of Romanist nobles against King George of Podebrady
George of Podebrady
George of Kunštát and Poděbrady , also known as Poděbrad or Podiebrad , was King of Bohemia...
. In the 14th century, it was the tenth-largest town in Bohemia. In 1637 the town was occupied for eight months by the Swedes
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
. In 1741, the Prussians vainly attempted to conquer the town. In the 18th century, development of industry and trade began to take place, which continued into the next century. Soon after the industrial revolution, the town became one of the industrial centres of Bohemia
Bohemia
Bohemia is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western two-thirds of the traditional Czech Lands. It is located in the contemporary Czech Republic with its capital in Prague...
—sometimes it even being called the Czech Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
. The electric power transmission has been installed at Divisov in 1924, gas 60 years later. During 1920s and 1930s the town grew rapidly and due to many buildings of modern architecture Divišov became known as the Salon of the Bohemia
Bohemia
Bohemia is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western two-thirds of the traditional Czech Lands. It is located in the contemporary Czech Republic with its capital in Prague...
. The first Nazi soldiers has been firmly welcomed on March 25, 1939. All 17 Divišov Jewish families had run away or have been ordered to transport out of Protectorate Bohemia and Moravia. No one of them got back home. At this time there lived also 2 Ukrainians
Ukrainians
Ukrainians are an East Slavic ethnic group native to Ukraine, which is the sixth-largest nation in Europe. The Constitution of Ukraine applies the term 'Ukrainians' to all its citizens...
. According to Nazi reglement each farmer had to transfer 80 kg beef
Beef
Beef is the culinary name for meat from bovines, especially domestic cattle. Beef can be harvested from cows, bulls, heifers or steers. It is one of the principal meats used in the cuisine of the Middle East , Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Europe and the United States, and is also important in...
and 25 kg pork
Pork
Pork is the culinary name for meat from the domestic pig , which is eaten in many countries. It is one of the most commonly consumed meats worldwide, with evidence of pig husbandry dating back to 5000 BC....
for 1 hectares (2.5 acre) arable soil.
The development continued in the 20th century when the construction of Highway D1
Highway D1 (Czech Republic)
D1 motorway is the main highway of the Czech Republic. Currently it connects the two biggest Czech cities, Prague and Brno, in the future it will link Ostrava and the border with Poland...
linking Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
to Wien
Wien
Wien is the German language name for Vienna, the city and federal state in Austria.* Wien , in Vienna, Austria* Theater an der Wien, a theater in Vienna located at the former river WienWien may also refer to:...
has been completed, the factory for the production of feber instruments, and the shop of armed vehicles were founded here. The district became famous as a fish pond farming area.
Divišov has about 1,600 permanent inhabitants and several hundred people from Prague come on weekends to second homes in the town. Divišov is an important industrial centre: there is JAWA, a motorbike factory, a transport company, a heavy machinery factory and an electronic equipment plant. Since 2006, the town of Divišov has organized annual Rockfest Festival taking place in June, which has already become a local tradition, and has been attended by many Americans and Germans
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
.
Since 1905, a famous horse race, Divišov Steeplechase (Divišovská klisna) has taken place every fall (third Sunday in October). It is said to be one of the quickiest horse race on the continent.
Divišov has an antique centre square and old Jewish town, old Jewish Cemetery 1706 and Jewish Museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
with recently renovated Catholic Church from 1374 and old synagoge from 1779 that stay open until late in the evening. There is a growing Jewish community in the area.
Rabbi
Rabbi
In Judaism, a rabbi is a teacher of Torah. This title derives from the Hebrew word רבי , meaning "My Master" , which is the way a student would address a master of Torah...
s and synagogue
Synagogue
A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. This use of the Greek term synagogue originates in the Septuagint where it sometimes translates the Hebrew word for assembly, kahal...
ministry :
- 1852–1860 - Lazar Freund
- 1893–1905 - Jindřich Schwarzkopf
- 1906–1912 - Rudolf Glaser z Ledče
- 1913–1917 - Mojžíš Reither
Nature
As a central region, the Divišov region has had a complicated history. In the 20th century during WW2 it was part of the Nazi prohibited area, and large areas were stripped of population settlement.Brown Bear
The brown bear is a large bear distributed across much of northern Eurasia and North America. It can weigh from and its largest subspecies, the Kodiak Bear, rivals the polar bear as the largest member of the bear family and as the largest land-based predator.There are several recognized...
, golden eagle
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. Once widespread across the Holarctic, it has disappeared from many of the more heavily populated areas...
, common kestrel
Common Kestrel
The Common Kestrel is a bird of prey species belonging to the kestrel group of the falcon family Falconidae. It is also known as the European Kestrel, Eurasian Kestrel, or Old World Kestrel. In Britain, where no other brown falcon occurs, it is generally just called "the kestrel".This species...
and the black stork
Black Stork
The Black Stork Ciconia nigra is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It is a widespread, but rare, species that breeds in the warmer parts of Europe, predominantly in central and eastern regions. This is a shy and wary species, unlike the closely related White Stork. It is seen in...
. Quite common are red deer and wild boars. Important Divisov endemic plants in the area are the Carpathian harebell (Campanula carpatica), Pulsatilla slavica, Hesperis silvestris, Liguria sibirica, and Saxifraga paniculata
Saxifraga paniculata
Saxifraga paniculata is a species of saxifrage native to the United States.-External links:*...
. There are numerous finding places of agates, amethysts, jaspers
Jaspers
Jaspers can refer to* Dick Jaspers , a Dutch professional carom billiards* Karl Jaspers, German psychiatrist and philosopher* Jason Jaspers , a professional ice hockey centre from Canada...
, chalcedonies
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, composed of very fine intergrowths of the minerals quartz and moganite. These are both silica minerals, but they differ in that quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, while moganite is monoclinic...
and other kinds of precious stones in the volcanic rocks. The treatment of these precious stones has been connected with the history of the town of Divisov for several centuries.
The Divišov region of deep forests is a popular holiday destination because it is excellent hiking country. Most interesting natural and cultural sights are connected with more than 500 kilometres (310.7 mi) of summer marked trails and many bike trails.
Transport
The town itself can be reached from other locations by inter-city buses via Highway D1 (Czech Republic)Highway D1 (Czech Republic)
D1 motorway is the main highway of the Czech Republic. Currently it connects the two biggest Czech cities, Prague and Brno, in the future it will link Ostrava and the border with Poland...
and by train Cesky Sternberk
Ceský Šternberk
Český Šternberk is a market town in the Czech Republic. Český Šternberk Castle rests on the cliffs high above the town.-History:The village was founded during the 13th century around Český Šternberk Castle. Along with the castle, the village expanded to its present form in 1901 and it became...
from Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
, Brno
Brno
Brno by population and area is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, the largest Moravian city, and the historical capital city of the Margraviate of Moravia. Brno is the administrative centre of the South Moravian Region where it forms a separate district Brno-City District...
or Wien
Wien
Wien is the German language name for Vienna, the city and federal state in Austria.* Wien , in Vienna, Austria* Theater an der Wien, a theater in Vienna located at the former river WienWien may also refer to:...
.
Leisure activities
For its sporting and leisure, visitors of Divisov can enjoy a group of ponds, some ponds are for fishing, the ŽelivkaŽelivka
The Želivka is a river in the Czech Republic, the left tributary of the Sázava River. It originates at the northern slope of the Troják mountain at the elevation of 677 m and flows for 103.89 km. It enters the Sázava River near Zruč nad Sázavou....
- despite official ban - is a natural swimming pool where yachting and windsurfing are possible. There are restaurants and leisure facilities with sporting grounds and a minigolf. A walking path with a chance of observing water birds is also available. In this romantic area, that is situated on the middle part of the Sázava
Sázava
Sázava is a name of several locations in the Czech Republic:* Sázava River* Sázava , a town in the Central Bohemian Region...
river, variety of nature beauties is bound with rich historical buildings: castles, chateaux and folk architecture
The town is the centre of tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
- in winter you can go skiing, in summer you can go cycling
Cycling
Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or for sport. Persons engaged in cycling are cyclists or bicyclists...
, bicycle touring
Bicycle touring
Bicycle touring is cycling over long distances – prioritizing pleasure and endurance over utility or speed. Touring can range from single day 'supported' rides — e.g., rides to benefit charities — where provisions are available to riders at stops along the route, to multi-day...
or bathing
Bathing
Bathing is the washing or cleansing of the body in a fluid, usually water or an aqueous solution. It may be practised for personal hygiene, religious ritual or therapeutic purposes or as a recreational activity....
. The well-known Divisov-Sázava
Sázava
Sázava is a name of several locations in the Czech Republic:* Sázava River* Sázava , a town in the Central Bohemian Region...
Cycle Route is part of an international network of cycling routes all over Europe. One of the main reasons however for its popularity is probably the fact that there are no significant level changes from Divišov on. It is practically downhill all the way from Divišov to Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora is a city in Bohemia, now the Czech Republic in the Central Bohemian Region.-History:The town began in 1142 with the settlement of the first Cistercian Monastery in Bohemia, Kloster Sedlitz, brought from the Imperial immediate Cistercian Waldsassen Abbey...
. Gliding
Gliding
Gliding is a recreational activity and competitive air sport in which pilots fly unpowered aircraft known as gliders or sailplanes using naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to remain airborne. The word soaring is also used for the sport.Gliding as a sport began in the 1920s...
, paragliding
Paragliding
Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying paragliders: lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure...
and hang gliding
Hang gliding
Hang gliding is an air sport in which a pilot flies a light and unmotorized foot-launchable aircraft called a hang glider ....
are also popular sports in the Divisov Region.
Climate statistics
The town is located on the edge of a mountainous region Českomoravská vrchovina, which influences the local climate. Large parts of the area are covered with forests. The town is sought after for its natural scenery and extensive forests in summer as well as winter. The city dominant is the three mountains, which at 533 metres (1,748.7 ft) ASL, offers breathtaking views over a large part of BohemiaBohemia
Bohemia is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western two-thirds of the traditional Czech Lands. It is located in the contemporary Czech Republic with its capital in Prague...
, all the way to Krkonoše and Blaník
Blaník
Blaník is a mountain in the Czech Republic. Its height is 638 meters above sea level. The surrounding area is a small natural reservation.Ancient legends are associated with this mountain. The legend says that a huge army of Czech knights led by St. Wenceslas sleeps inside the mountain. The knights...
.
- Average annual temperature: +9.3°C/+48.74°F
- Absolute maximum temperature: +38.1°C/100.58°F (1964 and 1972)
- Absolute minimum temperature: -28.4°C/-18.4°F (1920)
- Average summer temperatures (June–August): +18.0°C/+64.4°F
- Average winter temperatures (December–February): -1.0°C/30.2°F
- Average annual precipitation: 53.8 centimetres (21.2 in)
- Average annual sunlight duration: 1820h
- Average number of precipitation days/year: 150
- Warmest month: July
- Coldest month: January
- Typical wind: Northwest
Water transportation
The Divišov Region is near the dividing range between the watersheds of the Black Sea and the North Sea, where water collected by the SázavaSázava
Sázava is a name of several locations in the Czech Republic:* Sázava River* Sázava , a town in the Central Bohemian Region...
and Blanice
Blanice
Blanice may refer to various locations in the Czech Republic:*Blanice , a river in South Bohemia, tributary of the Otava*Blanice , a river in Central Bohemia, tributary of the Sázava...
rivers flows. These rivers all spring from the Českomoravská vrchovina . Owing to heavy precipitation (mostly snow), the peat bogs and the Želivka
Želivka
The Želivka is a river in the Czech Republic, the left tributary of the Sázava River. It originates at the northern slope of the Troják mountain at the elevation of 677 m and flows for 103.89 km. It enters the Sázava River near Zruč nad Sázavou....
water dam, the Divisov region is an important water reservoir for Central Europe. More important for their aesthetic value than for holding water are several lakes of glacial origin (e.g. peatery and marsh
Marsh
In geography, a marsh, or morass, is a type of wetland that is subject to frequent or continuous flood. Typically the water is shallow and features grasses, rushes, reeds, typhas, sedges, other herbaceous plants, and moss....
near Drahňovice
Drahňovice
Drahňovice is a municipality and village in Benešov District in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. -References:*This article was initially translated from the Czech Wikipedia....
).
Divišov connected to Želivka
Želivka
The Želivka is a river in the Czech Republic, the left tributary of the Sázava River. It originates at the northern slope of the Troják mountain at the elevation of 677 m and flows for 103.89 km. It enters the Sázava River near Zruč nad Sázavou....
and Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
Industrial areas via the Želivka Canal. Nearly all of Divisov's drinking water is brought to the town via large water pipeline, built in the half 19th century. The pipeline stretch 80 kilometres (49.7 mi) and the Želivka
Želivka
The Želivka is a river in the Czech Republic, the left tributary of the Sázava River. It originates at the northern slope of the Troják mountain at the elevation of 677 m and flows for 103.89 km. It enters the Sázava River near Zruč nad Sázavou....
sources are pristine and the water does not require treatment.
Religions
Divišov is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, and its acting Priest is father Knez. The religions of the Divišov resident population is divided according to the 2001 census as follows:| Roman Catholic | 29.2% |
| Orthodox Eastern Orthodox Church The Orthodox Church, officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and commonly referred to as the Eastern Orthodox Church, is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, with an estimated 300 million adherents mainly in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece,... |
11.8% |
| Protestant (mostly Lutheran) | 7% |
| Jewish Judaism Judaism ) is the "religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish people... |
3.5% |
| Budhist | 2.5% |
| Other or none indicated | 6.3% |
| No religion/Red | 39.7% |
Divišov community also runs the Region Journal and hosts a Centre for Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
and Interreligious Dialogue.
Trivia
In one chapter of the novel Sedmikráska from Jaroslav DurychJaroslav Durych
Jaroslav Durych was a Czech prose writer, poet, playwright, journalist, and military surgeon.Durych was born in Hradec Králové...
the author describes how a young virgin meets up with a local police officer from Divišov, who is constantly drunk and who mistakes her for a Russian spy.