Hranice (Přerov District)


Hranice, is a town in Moravia, the eastern Czech Republic.
It is sometimes informally called Hranice na Moravě, to distinguish from other places with the same name, Hranice. In fact, Hranice na Moravě, is the name of one of the railway stations of the town, the other being "Hranice na Moravě město".
The deepest pit cave in the Czech Republic, Hranice Abyss is located by the town.

History

Until 1918, Hranice was part of the Austrian monarchy, in the district with the same name, one of the 34 Bezirkshauptmannschaften in Moravia.
The German name only was used before 1867.
In 1883, Antonín Kunz founded a company in Hranice for the repair and production of small farm machinery and then specialized in the production of windpumps and other pumps. The company became the largest factory for water pumps in Austria-Hungary. At the end of the 19th century, it also produced complete communal water systems. The Sigma Pumps company developed out of Kunz's company.
In the days of Austria-Hungary, in the interbellum Czechoslovakia, and during the communist era the city hosted a large military academy. Notable graduates include Archduke Wilhelm of Austria and Herman Potočnik.

The Jews in Hranice

The first Jews came at the beginning of the 17th century, receiving in 1637 the right for a self-governed Jewish quarter, around the present Janáčkova street. Besides those 17 houses, they were not allowed to purchase houses elsewhere. The community reached a high 802 people in 1857. They had a significant role in the development of Hranice's industry: a textile plant established in 1844, and distilleries.

Twin towns — sister cities

Hranice is twinned with:
Notable people that were born or lived in Hranice include: