Founded by King Přemysl Otakar II around 1262, Vysoké Mýto was an important milestone on the trade route (later called Trstenická) that used to connect Bohemia and Moravia with the neighbour countries. Walls were added as early as 1265. Since 1307 Vysoké Mýto had been one of the Bohemian Queen's dowry towns. Its mighty medieval gates, towers and parts of the wall have remained in their places till date. The chess-board city plan with the square in the middle is another valued witness of the mediaeval Gothic architecture. The square itself is Bohemia's largest quadratic one. Its centre is marked by the Plague Post erected by Stůna of Klatovy at the expense of the city in 1715. One of the oldest houses in the square is the Town Hall with baroque front and a double gable built in 1536. The St Lawrence's Church was built as early as at the end of the l3th century. The sumptuous main altar with baroque painting by Master Petr Brandl of 1728 belong to the town's most valuable treasures. Equipped with many freedoms, the fortified city evolved into local economic, military and administrative centre. The most important events of local history have been written down on the wall in Jungmann's Park. At the beginning of the l9th century, Vysoké Mýto was Bohemian Crown's sixth largest city in terms of the number of houses and took the l7th place in terms of population. Various authorities, a garrison and several schools resided here. The City Archives was founded in 1859, the museum followed in 1871 and the Grammar Schools was opened in 1879. Today's Vysoké Mýto is not only a historical place, it stands for bus and pharmaceuticals productions, too. Private shops make the picturesque old square complete and expanding accommodation facilities allow growing numbers of visitors to come and have a good time here. Good news for travellers are the international road no. I/35 intersecting the town and the small airport nearby.