The town of Hlučín spreads at the foothills of the highland called Hlučínská Pahorkatina where the Opava River empties into the Oder. Founded by King Přemysl Otakar II, Hlučín has always been centre of trade and crafts. At the dawn of the l6th century, it was enclosed into walls with two entrance gates and 13 defence bastions. Seven of that number have survived till date and are under reconstruction now. Sight enthusiasts will enjoy the parochial St John the Baptist's Church whose Gothic core dates back to 1378. Erected on Gothic foundations of what once was a castle, the château is a threewinged baroque building used by an apprentice school now. St Margaret's Graveyard Church built in 1742, and the l9th-century Wetekamp Family Mausoleum, where a Protestant ce metery once was, are two other interesting architectural sights. The neighbourhood of Darkovičky shows a sample of 20th-century Czechoslovakian defence architecture-a part of the anti-German fortifications built up in 1935- 38. Today they belong to the Silesian Regional Museum and are Czechia's unique exhibition pieces. Core of the exhibition is the "Alej" Fort which has been restored to its original looks and furnished with period technology and authentic pre-war Czechoslovak weaponry. To relax, Hlučín offers a huge sports area on the shore of a large lake. The strands and coastal bottom have been adapted to provide both shallow gulfs for non-swimmers and good opportunities for water sports. The 130 hectare water surface is the right place for windsurfing, yachting and water skiing. If you prefer keeping your feet on the ground why not use some of these: tennis courts, minigolf, strand volleyball, tables for lazy tennis. At the boat rental you can hire boats or pedalos. A campground and several restaurants of various categories will help you survive nearby. Several celebrities were born at Hlučín: composer Pavel Josef Vejvanovský (1640-93); sculptor Jan Janda (1827 -75); painter Jan Bochenek (1831 -1909); writer and priest Bohumír Hynek Josef Bílovský (1831-1925). Hlučín's history is a turbulent one of a small town in the hands of high politics. It has survived many fires throughout the centuries and always recovered. Following the AustroPrussian War it was annexed to Prussia in 1742. In 1920 it became part of the newly-born Czechoslovakia to be reunited with the German Reich only 18 years later. Returned to Czechoslovakia in 1945, it became regional centre in 1960. Hlučín has almost no industry while most people commute to nearby Ostrava for work. On the other hand, it is the right place for recreation and sports in a nice natural environment and for quiet hours in the shadows of artful historic buildings.

The parochial St John the Baptist's Church with the 1378 Gothic core

Sports and recreation area which provides all one needs to enjoy water sports

Czechoslovak border fortifications at Hlučín-Darkovičky erected in 1935-38

Town centre-a registered national treasure-with town hall and former Service Company building, now seat of local administration

Aerial view of town and the 130 hectare lake

St John the Baptist's Church, main altar