Roznov pod Radhoštěm, Czech Republic

The town of Roznov pod Radhoštěm is mostly associated with the wonderful museum-ethnographic complex of Moravian Wallachia. Many of its exhibits - churches, houses, schools - were brought from Vlach villages in the nearby Beskid Mountains, and three villages in the ethnographic complex at Roznov pod Radhoštěm represent the life and cultural traditions of the Vlachs.

The Vlachs live mainly in the region of the Beskid Mountains, northeast of Roznov pod Radhoštěm below Radhoštěm. In villages such as Stramberk there are dozens of wooden houses built in the early 19th century in which people live. In the hamlet there is Stramberk Castle, which offers an excellent view of the land of the Vlachs.

The ethnographic complex at Roznov pod Radhoštěm is the largest and, moreover, the first one opened to the public in 1925. This complex at Roznov pod Radhoštěm consists of more than 50 buildings, from churches to shepherd's huts, dating from the 17th-20th centuries.

In general, the ethnographic complex is divided into three main parts, each of which can be visited separately.

The first, original part of the complex is the "Wooden Village" and if one has to choose which part to visit, it should be the choice. Its most impressive exhibits are the wooden town hall of Roznov pod Radhoštěm from 1770, an excellent reconstruction of a 17th century timber-framed church from Vetrzkovice, a farmhouse from 1750, and several beehives shaped from logs.

The second part is "The Wallachian Village", dedicated to the life of the people in the past. In this part, domestic animals are kept, there are horse-drawn carts and musical ensembles with violins and dulcimers that garnish the atmosphere with genuine liveliness. In February, the "Wallachian Village" comes alive to the sounds of a Wallachian festival marking the end of winter, and in July, the folklore concerts of Roznov pod Radhoštěm take place here. In early July, Texans of Czech descent come to Roznov pod Radhoštěm to celebrate the weekly revelry with culinary competitions and a rodeo.

The third and actually newest part of the museum is the "Valley of the Mill," which provides guided tours. The guides are cheerful, dressed in Welsh costumes, and show the water mill, sawmill and wood mill.