Ostrov, Heritage town in Karlovy Vary District, Czech Republic
Ostrov is a town with historical privileges located in the Karlovy Vary District, positioned on a slope about 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level. The settlement spreads along and around the Bystřice River, mixing a preserved medieval core with later residential areas.
The settlement was established in 1269 under King Ottokar II and gained royal trading privileges that shaped its early growth. These special rights ended during the 15th century, after which it developed along the same lines as neighboring towns.
The medieval street layout at the heart of town creates a framework that has guided daily life for centuries. Church buildings and civic structures anchor the center, reflecting how the community organized itself over time.
The town center is walkable and accessible, with information points near the main square offering guidance about local sites. The flatter areas around the market are easiest to navigate, while riverside paths provide a different way to explore the surroundings.
A residential district from the 1950s demonstrates socialist-era architecture with characteristic building forms and materials from that period. These blocks tell the story of how the town rebuilt itself in the years after World War II.
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