Vizovice (; ) is a town in ZlÃÂn District in the ZlÃÂn Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 4,800 inhabitants. The town is known for its long tradition of slivovitz production, which has been produced here since the 16th century. The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected as an urban monument zone.
Vizovice consists of two municipal parts (in brackets population according to the 2021 census):
Vizovice is located about east of ZlÃÂn. It lies in the Vizovice Highlands. The highest point is a hill at above sea level. The Lutoninka Stream flows through the town.
The first written mention of Vizovice is from 1261, when it was owned by the newly established Smilheim monastery. During the Hussite Wars, the monastery and the village were badly damaged and looted. In 1485, during the rule of Lords of Kunà ¡tát, the Cistercian monastery was definitely abolished.
In 1567, the estate was bought by ZdenÃÂk Kavka of à ÂÃÂÃÂany, who had built a Renaissance residence called Nový Smilheim in the fortified area of the abolished monastery. Vizovice was promoted to a town in 1570 by Emperor Maximilian II. This began a period of development of crafts, which brought prosperity to Vizovice. In the second half of the 17th century, the estate became a property of the Gollen family. Shortly after, the town and the castle were burned down by Turkish invaders. In 1749âÂÂ1770, during the rule of Count Hermann Hannibal of Blümegen, a new Baroque castle with French and English garden was built.
Vizovice has long history of the alcohol production. A distillery in Vizovice was first documented in 1585. The local climate is suitable for fruit trees, especially plums, and in the mid-18th century, slivovitz started being produced here. The Rudolf JelÃÂnek distillery was founded here in 1882.
The I/49 road, which connects ZlÃÂn with the Czech-Slovak border in Stà Âelná, passes through the town. The I/69 road connects Vizovice with VsetÃÂn.
Vizovice is the terminus and start of the railway line to Otrokovice.
The annual Masters of Rock heavy metal festival takes place in Vizovice.
The town is mentioned in Joà ¾in z baà ¾in song.
The main landmark is the Vizovice Castle. It was built in 1749âÂÂ1770 according to the design by Frantià ¡ek AntonÃÂn Grimm. For its architectural value, the castle is protected as a national cultural monument. In 1945, the castle was nationalized. It is open to the public and offers guided tours.
A notable building is the Church of Saint Lawrence. It was built at the end of the 18th century.