The town of Humpolec rises to an altitude of 520 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the imposing mountains that magnificently rise on all sides of the region. A part of the Zlin region, Humpolec is reputed for its industry of drapes that has capitalized in the region in the past 500 years. The prospering drape industry was established in the 19th century and has continued its production of traditional drapes since then to the present day. Owing to the presence of the ancient industry, the town of Humpolec is also referred to as the ‘Czech Manchester’.
The town of Humpolec was developed in the 12th century as a route to the ancient Zeliv monastery from the commercial centers of Moravia and Prague. The leader and radical thinker, Jan Zelivsky is one of the popular citizens of the region. The two prominent composers of the world, Gustav Mahler and Josef Stransky, the renowned physician Dr. Fr. Hamza and the anthropologist Dr. Ales Hrdlicka are the internationally famed citizens of Humpolec.
Industrially well developed, the region of Humpolec is also reputed for the monumental structures that lie in abundance in the region. The oldest religious structure of the region is the Sv. Mikulas Church built in the early 13th century and renovated in the baroque style by the famed Guiovani Santini. The tourists may also visit the Orlik Castle, town’s forest park and the town hall in Humpolec.
South Moravian Region Czech Republic