- summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2) Area 42.38 km² Municipality Duchcov | Elevation 307 m Local time Monday 1:26 PM | |
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Weather 13°C, Wind S at 10 km/h, 35% Humidity Points of interest Osek Monastery, Zřícenina hradu Rýzmburk, Stropník, 3D bludiště Osek, Dušanova vyhlídka | ||
Osek (German: Ossegg) is a small town in the Czech Republic that lies at the foot of the Krušné Hory in the Teplice District in the Ústí nad Labem Region, in the northwest of Bohemia.
Contents
- Map of Osek Czechia
- Geography and demographics
- History
- Hussite wars
- Present
- Notable residents
- Literature
- References
Map of Osek, Czechia
Geography and demographics
In 2006 the town's population was 4,934. Osek is located only approximately 8 km east of the town of Teplice and approximately 15 km from the Czech–German border.
History
Osek is notable for a Burgundian Gothic monastery, originally built as the three-nave "Church of the Assumption of Our Lady" between 1207–1220 in the style of a Roman Basilica, by Cistercian monks who first arrived in Osek in 1199. The monastery complex grew over time to become the economic and social hub of the region. It was rebuilt, in the top baroque style by the architect Octavius Broggio, from 1712 till 1718 when the interior of the monastery church was decorated with fresco paintings by Václav V. Reiner and a new convent, library and chapels were constructed. When first installed its church organ was one of the largest in Europe. The chapter hall of the old convent features a unique Early Gothic reading counter, carved from stone with an ornate base in the shape of a knot, dated in 1240.
Salesius Hill in Osek is an interesting "rock city" of huge quartzite blocks, pillars and fissures. This unusual topography has inspired work by artists such as the painter Jan Tichý. Parts of the film Anna proletářka were filmed on location in Osek and Osek railway station.
Hussite wars
The medieval castle Rýzmburk (Riesenburg) belonged to its founders, the powerful family from Rýzmburk until 1398; the ownership then shifted to the margraves of Meissen. It was one of the strongest fortresses in Bohemia and during the Hussite wars was considered impenetrable. During the wars the monastery was twice burned down. Much of the monasteries property was also sold by emperor Sigismund to fund further military expeditions against the Hussites.
Present
Today Osek is a known tourist destination in the region. Every year there is a festival where many of the historical items are present for viewing and practically the entire town is transformed into a fair. In March 2007 the Czech Republic started selling stamps with a picture of the Osek monastery on it. In the last few years the town has been undergoing intense maintenance and reconstruction to further increase tourism.