Perhaps the name Nehvizdy sounds like a tongue twister. Yet this market town boasts a history as rich as its pronunciation is challenging. We are in Nehv\u00edzdky. It is one of two parts that make up Nehvizdy. Let’s explore Nehvizdy and Nehv\u00edzdky.
Nehvizdy is located east of Prague. The town’s story starts long ago. Its first written mention dates back to 1352. The name “Nehvizdy” has an interesting origin. Some say it comes from “not to whistle”. This could mean “the village of people who do not whistle”. Another theory links it to a personal name, Nehvizd. So it could mean “the village of Nehvizds”.
In 1515, Nehvizdy gained importance. King Vladislaus II promoted it to a market town. The town thrived in the early 17th century. But the Thirty Years’ War brought devastation. The town was looted many times. After the war, the Liechtenstein family acquired Nehvizdy.
During World War II, Nehvizdy played a role in a significant event. In 1941, Czechoslovak paratroopers Gab\u010d\u00edk and Kubi\u0161 landed nearby. They were sent to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich. A navigational error caused them to land far from their target. They hid in a quarry near Nehvizdy. Local citizens helped them reconnect with collaborators. They eventually succeeded in their mission.
Today, a monument in Nehvizdy commemorates this event. Shaped like a parachute, it was created in 2021.
The Church of Saint Wenceslaus is the main landmark. This Gothic church dates back to the late 13th century. It was first mentioned in 1361. The adjacent bell tower was built in the 16th century.
Nehvizdy has seen considerable population growth recently. From a small village, it has grown into a town with about 4,400 residents. Nehv\u00edzdky is a small part of Nehvizdy. It had a population of only 40 in 2021.
Nehvizdy sits on a road connecting Prague with other cities. The D11 motorway runs nearby. This makes it easily accessible.
So next time you struggle with the name Nehvizdy remember its layers of history. From its humble beginnings to its role in Czech history. Nehvizdy stands as a testament to resilience. It is a place where the past and present intertwine.