Štramberk’s ears

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Description of place

In the year 1241 Tatars attacked Moravia, and were drawing near to Štramberk. The people of Štramberk hunkered down on Kotouč hill. Those who weren’t able to escape in time were killed by the Tatars, who also hacked off the ears of their victims. However, a miracle happened and during the night a mighty torrent of rain fell from the heavens which inundated the Tatar encampment. This heavenly power also helped the brave people of Štramberk, who secretly dug out the dam of a nearby lake during the night. After the water subsided, many sacks containing ears cured in salt, which the Tatatrs hadn’t managed to send to their Khan in time, were found. Kotouč hill became a pilgrimage site for many centuries and in memory of this event, gingerbread ears are baked in Štramberk until today.