Historical centre of Nový Jičín

The centre of Nový Jičín is considered by experts to be a well-preserved example of a typical mediaeval town from the thirteenth century.

Life unfolded around a picturesque square plaza with an arcade, which on all sides offers not only beauty but also protection from the wind and rain. The square is an example of how towns were founded during the reign of Přemysl Otakar II.

From the square side streets lead with original schenck houses, i.e. buildings where it was allowed to brew and tap beer, and later also to sell wine and spirits. While the western side of the town was the place where the owner of the local estate lived and there is still the Žerotín Chateau, the eastern part was dedicated to spiritual life. Here the tower of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary rises to the sky, the original cemetery was here and there are still narrow, mysterious side alleys leading down to the small church square.

Further away from the square, beyond the former city walls, there are important villas of local businessmen and buildings reminiscent of Viennese palaces or old Art Nouveau cafés. Nový Jičín is an ideal place from which to explore the history of the area. The beauty of the town centre is also demonstrated by the fact that in 2001 the historic centre of Nový Jičín was named Historic Town of the Year.