The name is derived from a word námesta (a representative, a deputy; like modern Slovaknámestník or Czechnáměstek) referring to a representative of Vlach settlers whose seat was in Námestovo.[4] Alternatively, it could be derived from a personal name Namest (a less probable theory).[4]
Geography
The town is located under the Orava Highlands at the shores of the Orava reservoir, not far from the Polish border, around 15 km (9.32 mi) from Tvrdošín and 30 km (18.64 mi) from Dolný Kubín.
History
The town was mentioned in the 16th century, when the massive colonisation of Orava took place. It was growing quickly, thanks to its favourable location on the trade route to Poland. The town was burned down at the end of World War II. The construction of the Orava reservoir affected the way of life in the town, as two-thirds of the town were inundated, including the town centre. Boom of the industry and the following apartment construction in the 1970s contributed to the growth of the town.
Demographics
According to the 2001 census, the town had 8,135 inhabitants. 98.65% of inhabitants were Slovaks and 0.65% Czechs.[5] The religious makeup was 92.12% Roman Catholics, 4.95% people with no religious affiliation and 0.84% Lutherans.[5]
Pictures
Summer afternoon at Orava Reservoir
A sailboat on the Orava Reservoir
Námestovo in winter
Winter on the bank of Orava Reservoir
Námestovo in autumn
Statue of Anton Bernolák on Slanica Isle
A memorial plaque to Anton Bernolák on Slanica Isle
^ abKrajčovič, Rudolf (2013). "Z lexiky stredovekej slovenčiny s výkladmi názvov obcí a miest (38)". Kultúra slova (in Slovak) (3). Martin: Vydavateľstvo Matice slovenskej: 92.
