TŘEBÍČ A REGION VYSOČINA – anglicky
partly – částečně
average – průměrně
was mined – těžilo se
compound – areál
holds – drží se
to cease – přestat
clock face – ciferník
cross-country race – závod v běhu na lyžích
was abolished – byl zrušen
gradually – postupně
own – vlastní
town hall – radnice
Vysočina is an administrative Unit of the Czech Republic. Vysočina is located partly in the south-eastern part of the historical region of Bohemia and partly in the south-west of the historical region of Moravia. The region has one of the coldest climates in the country with average temperatures of 5-7 degrees centigrade, so farmers can grow potatoes. Industry is textile, furniture, food or nuclear. The first nuclear power station in the Czech Republic lies near from small village Dukovany.
Districts are Havlíčkův Brod, Jihlava, Třebíč and Žďár nad Sázavou. Population is about 500 000.
Seat of region Vysočina is Jihlava. Jihlava is the smallest regional capital in the Czech Republic. Jihlava was founded in 13rd century and was king´s town with big fortification. Silver was mined here. Tourist can visit f.e. church Sankt Ignac, gate of God´s mother, house of Gustav Mahler or Zoo. Catacombs are the biggest attraction in Jihlava. Catacombs are the second largest in the Czech Republic and there is green corridor. It shines green colour and scientists don´t know why.
Vysočina has a lot of nice towns and sights. There are three UNESCO sites in this region. The first is the church of Sankt John of Nepomuk at Zelená hora in Žďár nad Sázavou. It is baroque church from architect Jan Blažej Santini Aichel. The second is town Telč with renaissance castle and Zachariáš square with colourful renaissance houses. The third is Třebíč with amazing romance – gothic Basilica of St. Procopius and Jewish Quarter with Jewish cemetery.
Another interesting towns are Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou, Nové město na Moravě or Pelhřimov. In Jaroměřice tourists can visit very nice baroque castle with big garden and the church St. Markéta. There is museum of Otokar Březina. Every year there is international music festival of Peter Dvorský. Nové město na Moravě holds a cross-country race called the Golden Ski every year. There was world championship of biathlon in winter 2013. Pelhřimov is the town of special records. You can stop at the Museum of Records and Curiosities.
Landscape in Vysočina is convenient for walking. People can go to Žďarské or Železné mountain. The highest mountain is Javořice and lie near from Telč.
Třebíč is small town on the south-east of region Vysočina. Třebíč has about 40 000 inhabitants. Jihlava river flows through town. Třebíč is industrial city. Třebíč produce drinks ZON and there is brewery. Ice hockey club Horácká Slávie plays in Horácké stadium. Třebíč was founded in 12th century because there was built Benedictine monastery with church. In 13th century was built the basilica of St. Procopius. Basilica is in romance – gothic style. In 16th century was abolished the monastery and was came into being castle. In castle is museum of Vysočina with interesting expositions nowadays. Basilica with Jewish Quarter and Jewish cemetery are protected by UNESCO since 2003. Jewish quarter is very old. The first Jews came to Třebíč in 13th century. The Jewish Quarter gradually grew bigger and bigger. This Quarter was an independent community with its own hospital, school, two synagogues and town hall. During Second World War, almost 300 Jewish people were sent to Nazi concentration camps. Only ten of them came back and the town´s Jewish community almost ceased to exist. Nowadays it is unique complex of 123 historical buildings.
Another sights are on the main square, on the Charles Square. There are many historical buildings, the most popular is Painted house, where people can visit some exhibition. Near from the Charles square you can see the biggest church tower clock-face in the Czech Republic located on St. Martin´s church.