The name of the town is derived from the name of the nobleman and alleged founder of Hustopeče, named Úsopek.[2]
Geography
Hustopeče is located about 25 kilometres (16 mi) northwest of Břeclav and 28 km (17 mi) south of Brno. The northern part of the municipal territory lies within the southern foothills of the Ždánice Forest range and the southern part lies in the Lower Morava Valley lowland. The town lies in the warmest part of the country.
History
The first written mention of Hustopeče is from 1247. In the 13th century, the area was settled by German colonizators, who brought viticulture here. The German name of Hustopeče Auspitz was first documented in 1279.[3]
From the beginning of the 14th century until 1599, Hustopeče was owned by the Cistercian abbey in Brno. The advantageous location on the border of three countries made Hustopeče an important economic centre with markets. In 1572, Emperor Maximilian II promoted Hustopeče to a town. From 1599 to 1848, Hustopeče was property of the House of Liechtenstein.[3]
Hustopeče was badly damaged during the Thirty Years' War During this period, the acreage of vineyards fell to 10% of its original state. However, winemaking gradually recovered, and in the mid-18th century, Hustopeče was the largest wine-growing municipality in Moravia. In 1726, the winemaking guild was established.[2]
Hustopeče is a terminus and starting point of the railway line from/to Křižanov via Brno.[10]
Sport
Each year, Hustopeče is host to the world's best high jumpers competing in the Moravia High Jump Tour.[11]
Sights
The main landmark of Hustopeče is the Church of Saints Wenceslaus and Agnes of Bohemia. The original Church of St. Wenceslaus was built in the early 14th century. Though renovated several times, its steeple collapsed in 1961 and damaged the church's structure greatly. Despite efforts to preserve the valuable remaining part, it was decided to demolish the entire building. The new modern church was built on the site of the old one in 1994 and consecrated to Saints Wenceslaus and Agnes of Bohemia. The new church has a 52-metre (171 ft) high steeple.[12]
The second landmark of the town square is the town hall. This Neo-Renaissance building dates from 1906.[13]