Moravian Bethlehem in Winter

STYLE “Moravian Bethlehem” in Winter The Moravian-Silesian Region attracted 10% more tourists than in the previous year. In the 3rd quarter of 2018, the greatest number of overnight visitors came to the tourist region of Beskyd-Wallachia (113,362), where tourists also spent the greatest sum of nights. With no doubt, one of the biggest jewels of the region is Štramberk — a picturesque town in the foothills of the Beskyd Mountains that is easy to recognize from afar thanks to the unique skyline of the Trúba tower. For its beauty, that is even more striking when covered with snow, the town is called Moravian Bethlehem, The historical centre of the town, that was founded by John Henry of Luxemburg, the brother of Emperor Charles IV in the 1300s, consists of a unique set of town houses in the square. Brick houses stand in contrast to timber ones with shingle roofs, nowadays typical mainly for the countryside of Wallachia. The system of streets, lanes, steps and passages is arranged in a mysterious maze with an outstanding atmosphere which is accentuated by the sweet smell of the local speciality — Štramberské uši (Ears of Štramberk). The gingerbread cones are baked in many homes in memory of a victory over Mongolian hordes plundering this area in the 1200s. It is definitely worth staying in Štramberk for a few days and exploring the world -famous archaeological site — the Šipka cave. You can stay in many cozy hotels, e.g. Hotel Gong or Hotel Šipka where the first Czechoslovak President T. G. Masaryk was accommodated. POSITIV ǀ 4/2018 67