SKALICA

'Skalica' (, , Latin: ''Sakolcium'') is the largest city in Skalica District in western Slovakia in the Záhorie region. Located near the Czech border, Skalica has a population of 15,150 as of 2003.

Contents

History

Sights

Sport

Partner towns

Personalities

External links

History

Although the site has been inhabitated since 4000 BC and was part of the Great Moravian Empire, Skalica was first documented in 1218 as 'Zaculcza'; the name refers the cliffs the inhabitants built their settlement over. The settlement developed around a triangular plaza, which was rare during the Middle Ages. Its town privileges were conferred in 1372 by King Louis I of Hungary. In 1428 Skalica became a bastion for the Hussites; during the Hussite Wars, the majority of its then predominantly German-speaking populace fled or was exiled. Many Habaners (adherents of a sect similar to Anabaptism) settled in Skalica in the 16th century. For eight days in 1918 Skalica was the seat of a Czechoslovak delegation which unsuccessfully tried to negotiate the removal of Hungarian troops from Slovakia.
After the World War II, the town tried to take advantage of its position as a district town, and many new works, schools and apartments blocks were built, while successfully preserving its city center. In 1960, Skalica became part of Senica district. It lasted until 1996, when Skalica became a separate district again.
Didaktik computers were produced in Skalica during the 1980s. The 2006 European Table Hockey Championships were held in the town.
Today, it is economically strongest town in the Záhorie region, bypassing its rival town Senica at this position, and is becoming a tourist destination thanks to its preserved city centre and monuments.

Sights

Near the remnants of one of Skalica's city walls is one of Slovakia's oldest works of construction, the Romanesque Rotunda of St. George. Although its exact date of origin is unknown, it was constructed by the 12th century at the latest. A Baroque dome was attached to it in the 17th century. The city has several churches, including a Jesuit church and monastery, the 15th century Parish Church of St. Michael, and the 15th century Franciscan church and monastery. Other sights are Skalica's Late Renaissance town hall and the 1905 Cultural House built in the Sezession style.

Sport

★ HK 36 Skalica plays in the Slovak Extraliga.

Partner towns

★ Schwechat, Austria

★ Freyburg, Germany

★ Strážnice, Czech Republic

Personalities

★ Ján Hollý, poet

★ Žigmund Pálffy, ice hockey player

★ Miroslav Zálešák, ice hockey player

External links

★ Municipal website

★ Churches of Skalica

★ Stamp of Rotunda of St. George