Skalica
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Skalica (German: Skalitz, Hungarian: Szakolca, Latin: Sakolcium) is the largest city in Skalica District in western Slovakia. Located near the Czech border, Skalica has a population of 15,150 as of 2003.
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[edit] History
Although the site has been inhabitated since 4000 BC and was part of the Great Moravian Empire, Skalica was first documented in 1218 as Zaculcza; the name refers the cliffs the inhabitants built their settlement over. The settlement developed around a triangular plaza, which was rare during the Middle Ages. Its town privileges were conferred in 1372 by King Louis I of Hungary. In 1428 Skalica became a bastion for the Hussites; during the Hussite Wars, the majority of its then predominantly German-speaking populace fled or was exiled. Many Habaners (adherents of a sect similar to Anabaptism) settled in Skalica in the 16th century. For eight days in 1918 Skalica was the seat of a Czechoslovak delegation which unsuccessfully tried to negotiate the removal of Hungarian troops from Slovakia.
Didaktik computers were produced in Skalica during the 1980s. The 2006 European Table Hockey Championships will be held in the town.
[edit] Sights
Near the remnants of one of Skalica's city walls is one of Slovakia's oldest works of construction, the Romanesque Rotunda of St. George. Although its exact date of origin is unknown, it was constructed by the 12th century at the latest. A Baroque dome was attached to it in the 17th century. The city has several churches, including a Jesuit church and monastery, the 15th century Parish Church of St. Michael, and the 15th century Franciscan church and monastery. Other sights are Skalica's Late Renaissance town hall and the 1905 Cultural House built in the Sezession style.
[edit] Personalities
- Ján Hollý, poet
- Žigmund Pálffy, ice hockey player
- Miroslav Zálešák, ice hockey player
[edit] External links
| edit | Municipalities of Skalica District |  |
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Gbely | Holíč | Skalica |
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