Krucemburk (in 1949–1993 Křížová; ) is a market town in Havlíčkův Brod District in the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 1,600 inhabitants.
Administrative division Krucemburk consists of three municipal parts (in brackets population according to the 2021 census): Krucemburk (1,268) Hluboká (67) Staré Ransko (183)
Etymology The initial name of Krucemburk was Kreuzburg. The name was derived from the German words Kreuz ('cross') and Burg ('castle') and referred to the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star, who were the founders of the settlement. Krucemburk is a Czech transcription of the German name and this name has been used since the 14th century. In the 18th century, the German name Kreuzberg appeared for the first time.
In 1949, the name was changed to Křížová (from kříž, which is the Czech word for 'cross'). However, in 1993, the market town returned to its historical name.
Geography Krucemburk is located about northeast of Havlíčkův Brod and northeast of Jihlava. It lies on the border between the Upper Sázava Hills and Iron Mountains. The highest point is at above sea level. The Doubrava River flows through Hluboká and Staré Ransko. The municipal territory is rich in fishponds, the largest of which is Řeka. The entire territory of Krucemburk lies within the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area.
History The first written mention of Krucemburk is from 1241. The village was promoted to a market town in 1385. The village of Staré Ransko was founded in 1355. Hluboká was probably founded at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, but the first written mention is from 1548.
Demographics
Transport The I/37 road (the section from Žďár nad Sázavou to Chrudim) runs through the market town. The I/34 road from Havlíčkův Brod to Svitavy runs along the northern municipal border.
Sights The main landmark is the Church of Saint Nicholas. It is a Gothic building with Baroque modifications. The tower dates from the 13th century.
Notable people Jan Zrzavý (1890–1977), painter; buried here
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