Last modified: 2018-12-19 by rob raeside
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Námestovo was established by the "Valachi Law" at the beginning of the
second half of 19th century. The settlement gradually increased due to
immigration of people from other villages owned by Orava Castle. The economic
development of Námestovo was influenced by its location on the trade route
to Polish market towns. June 14th 1776 Maria Teresia granted Námestovo
the privilege of holding a town market and in 1777 it became the district
seat. The year 1878 was also important for Námestovo because the Orava
people gained the privilege to conduct business in the linen trade. In
1884 linen tradesmen founded the Upper Orava Linen-makers Union. The economy
of the town was based on crafts and agriculture and its development until
the end of 19th century was especially influenced by the linen trade. By
the beginning of 20th century Námestovo's linen trade was unable to adapt
to industrialisation and its productivity gradually declined. As a result
the economy of Námestovo suffered. The character of Námestovo remained
unchanged during 1st Czechoslovak Republic (1918 -1945). Námestovo was
severely damaged during battles in 1945. It had to be rebuilt from the
foundations. An important milestone in the history of Námestovo was 1612
when Juraj Thurzo allowed the town mayor to establish a personage. According
to the documents they established a personage, a school and a wooden parish
church. Records from 1655-58 document the building of stone church. There
were fires in 1877, 1906 and 1945. In 1917 the church bells were requisitioned
and in 1945 they were melted in a fire. The new bells were bought whit
donations from local parishioners and American Slovaks and were dedicated
to St. Simon and Jude, St. Cyril and Metodeus, the Patron Saint of Slovakia
St. Catherine and the passing-bell to St. Joseph. The major reconstruction
was done in 1980's. The church has priceless artifacts: the baroque sculptures
of St. Barbora and St. Catherine from 18th century, pacifical by the artist
Szilassi from 1743, the main altar, two side altars and a pupils are from
the mid of 19th century. The construction of Orava dam and industrialisation
changes the life of Námestovo inhabitants. Info from the Námestovo
website.
Jarig Bakker, 23 Jan 2001
That "new" emblem is in fact older than that with bear (of Orava/Árva
County) over the water (symbol of Orava Dam Lake) from 1986. The renewed
symbol shows the Imperial double - headed eagle (today is to be blasoned:
Argent a double - headed Eagle Sable armed and langued or, holding the
sword and orb proper. In chief an Imperial Crown proper) and Saint Simon
and Saint Juda as supporters and it came from the year 1777.
Aleš Křižan, 22 Jan 2001