| Bystřice nad Pernštejnem | |
| Settlement Type: | Town |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Type1: | Region |
| Subdivision Name1: | Vysočina |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Žďár nad Sázavou |
| Pushpin Map: | Czech Republic |
| Pushpin Relief: | 1 |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in the Czech Republic |
| Coordinates: | 49.5231°N 16.2614°W |
| Leader Title: | Mayor |
| Leader Name: | Martin Horák |
| Established Title: | First mentioned |
| Established Date: | 1298 |
| Area Total Km2: | 53.07 |
| Elevation M: | 535 |
| Population As Of: | 2024-01-01 |
| Population Footnotes: | [1] |
| Population Total: | 7896 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Timezone1: | CET |
| Utc Offset1: | +1 |
| Timezone1 Dst: | CEST |
| Utc Offset1 Dst: | +2 |
| Postal Code Type: | Postal code |
| Postal Code: | 593 01 |
Bystřice nad Pernštejnem (in Czech pronounced as /ˈbɪstr̝̊ɪtsɛ ˈnat pɛrnʃtɛjnɛm/; German: Bistritz ob Pernstein) is a town in Žďár nad Sázavou District in the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 7,900 inhabitants.
The villages of Bratrušín, Divišov, Domanín, Domanínek, Dvořiště, Karasín, Kozlov, Lesoňovice, Pivonice, Rovné and Vítochov are administrative parts.
The name Bystřice is derived from bystřina, which is a term for a steep, fast flowing stream. The local watercourse was originally called Říčka (i.e. 'small river') and later renamed after the town. In 1881, nad Pernštýnem was added to the name to distinguish from other places with the same name, and in 1925 it was modified to nad Pernštejnem. It refers to the nearby Pernštejn Castle.[2]
Bystřice nad Pernštejnem is located about east of Žďár nad Sázavou and 41km (25miles) northwest of Brno. It lies in the Upper Svratka Highlands. The highest point is the hill Přední skála at 716m (2,349feet) above sea level. The Bystřice River flows through the town. On the north, the municipal territory borders Vír I Reservoir.
The first written mention of Bystřice is from 1238. It was founded by Lords of Medlov during the colonization in the 13th century. In the 14th century, it became the administrative, economic and commercial centre of the surrounding villages in Pernštejn dominion. In 1348, it was first referred to as a market town.[2]
In 1446, Bystřice became a property of the Pernštejn family. During their rule, it gained various privileges and rapidly developed. Bystřice was promoted to a town by Rudolf II in 1580. By this occasion the town received its coat of arms. The owners of the town changed frequently after 1588 when it was sold by Jan V of Pernštejn. The prosperity was interrupted by frequent fires. The most destructive fires occurred in 1585, 1666 and 1841.[2]
In 1905, the town was connected by railway with Žďár nad Sázavou and Tišnov which contributed to development of local industry. The town also benefited from the development of uranium industry in Dolní Rožínka.[2]
The Jewish population disappeared as a result of the Holocaust and after World War II, it was not renewed.
The largest employer based in the town is Wera Werk, a manufacturer of tools. It employs more than 1,000 people.[3]
The I/19 road (the section from Žďár nad Sázavou to Blansko District) passes through the town.
Bystřice nad Pernštejnem is located on the railway line Žďár nad Sázavou–Tišnov.[4]
The Church of Saint Lawrence is as old as the town. Originally it was probably a Romanesque structure, rebuilt in the Gothuc style in the 14th century. In the 15th century, it was fortified. Last modifications were made in 1873.[5]
The town hall was first mentioned in 1493. It was rebuilt to its current form in 1808. Today the building houses the town museum.[2]
See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in the Czech Republic. Bystřice nad Pernštejnem is twinned with:[6]
Boguchwała, Poland
Vranov nad Topľou, Slovakia