R egional T ourist Guide
Transkript
R egional T ourist Guide
Regional Tourist Guide www.slovacko.cz This project is cofinanced by the European Union I have my deep, family roots in Slovácko. My folks mowed wheat here, bred horses and tasted wine, my mother and aunt knew how to paint the forefronts and plinths, they embroidered costumes and shirts for men – so that had one for Friday, one for work day. My cousins taught me to sing wedding songs, fold petticoats and bind sheaves. During the feast or whenever there was some time, people sang beautifully. Even today, when I get there, it is like coming to a warm bed. You could say that this was a Slovácko of long time ago. Yes, it was. But it is worth seeing even now. There are chateaus, nice villages, wine cellars, some of them painted, green vineyards and hills, and sometimes even a castle. But the best of all, dear friends, is the ease, good people, excellent wine, beautiful songs and music. Who has once been will come again. You can’t get all the good things in once. You wouldn’t have the time. Dana Zátopková 2 CONTENTS FOLKLORE AND FOLK TRADITIONS 04–08 MONUMENTS AND HISTORY 09–15 WINE AND WINE-MAKING 16–20 CULTURE AND MUSEUMS 21–24 NATURE AND LANDSCAPE 25–31 CYCLING 32–34 ACTIVE HOLIDAYS 35–39 SPAS AND WELLNESS 40–41 TOWNS OF SLOVÁCKO 42–45 CONGRESSES USEFUL TRAVELING INFORMATION 46 47 THE ZLÍN REGION 48–49 MAP OF SLOVÁCKO AND SURROUNDINGS 50–51 Published by: The Region of Zlín with support from the European Union and Ministry of Regional Development of the Czech Republic, 2006 • www.kr-zlinsky.cz/tourism, www.strukturalni-fondy.cz • Texts and layout: Avedon Destination Agency Ltd. • Photo: Archive of the Region of Zlín, Region of Slovácko and towns of Slovácko, the Museum of Slovácko, Avedon Company Ltd., TIC Valtice, Spas of Hodonín, Partnership Foundation, Municipal Museum and Gallery Břeclav, KSK Vlčnov, Foto TOAST for Zlín Region • Photographers: Jan Halady, Mgr. Vít Hrdoušek, Milan Karásek, Mgr. Pavel Kosek, RNDr. Petr Macháček, František Maršálek, Ing. Michal Solařík, Libor Staňa, Mgr. Petr Titz • Graphic design: Jan Janák • Not for sale 3 Fo l k l o r e a n d Fo l k Tr a d i t i o n s THE MOSAIC OF ATTRACTION Uherské Hradiště – Festival of Wine and Open Monuments For many people, the Slovácko region is land of folk customs, cymbal music, fanciful costumes, good time, food and drinks. What is so extraordinary and so fascinating about the local festivals that each year brings thousands of visitors from around the world? And why was the Slovácko dance called Verbuňk included in the UNESCO list of oral and immaterial world heritage? The answer lies in the joy that naturally springs from the Slovácko dancers, singers and musicians and carries over onto others. The answer lies in the capacity to create freely, improvise and have a good time while doing it. The answer is also hidden in the diversity that the Slovácko region rightfully boastst. It is like a tree with string branches – the regions of Horňácko, Dolňácko, Podluží, Moravské Kopanice that fall into further regions and the individual villages. And each sprouts blossoms in a different flower. Each of these regions has a different style of embroidery on their costumes, different songs; the local cakes, wine and slivowitz (plum brandy) tastes a little different each time, – but always good. 4 Everybody who has been to Slovácko will tell you that the Slovácko cuisine, famous for its excellence and honesty in the use of meat, grease, custard, plum jam, cabbage, greaves and many other good things, multiplies the magic of the region. Good food goes with good drinks – the plum brandy known as slivowitz is a nectar and a heal-all made from plums that are widely grown here, or apricots and service tree fruits. We cannot omit the good wine made at the wine-making centers such as Boršice, Bzenec, Polešovice, Mutěnice, Čejkovice, Kyjov, Prušánky, Strážnice, Blatnice pod sv. Antonínkem, Velké Pavlovice, Mikulov or Valtice. Each name is a legend. This refined mixture of music, dance, costumes, grandmother’s cooking and the drink is hard to resist – especially when it is offered in the picturesque setting of blue and white cottages with painted forefront or in the cosy atmosphere of the wine cellar. Come and see for yourselves that Slovácko, folklore traditions and hospitality is one and the same thing. The Mosaic of Attraction Strážnice – Museum of Southeastern Moravia MONUMENTS OF FOLKLORE ARCHITECTURE The uniqueness of the Slovácko region is underlined by its folklore architecture. The hundred-years’ long traditions in many villages speak out through the white facades with blue plinth with colorful flower motives around the windows and forefronts by the handy painters. Rich farm houses have been preserved together with small cottages, lumber rooms, barns, cellars wine cellar alleys, windmills, fruit drying plants as well as wayside crosses and small chapels with the statues of St. Anthony or St. John of Nepomuk and other saints. ČNÉ STEZKY BLATNICE POD SVATÝM ANTONÍNKEM Collection of viticultural buildings below the hill of Stará Hora with the ground floor pressing room that is divided into two floors in the interior. HLUK Houses n. 283 and 284. The house n. 284 features an exposition documenting the development of the local costume and popular household from the 17th to the 20th century. The houses are open for public at times of significant festivals such as the local festivals or the Dolňácko Festival. During the rest of the year you have to make an appointment. HRUBÁ VRBKA The uniquely preserved projection of the Horňácko area village with two rows of stone barns with many granaries in front of houses built of stone, sometimes mixed with clay. Similar folklore farming structures can also be seen in the nearby villages, e. g. Javorník, Suchovské Mlýny, Nová Lhota, Hroznová Lhota. JAVORNÍK The preserved complex of buildings in the Eastern part of the village of Javorník – “Kopánky” is protected as a village historic reserve. Typical of the area is the use of the original building materials – adobes and skilfully piled up stones. The interiors of the houses where people live even today, feature the original layout of the area into the house-place, chamber and closet. Some of them even have the old black kitchen where meals were prepared on open fire. Several of the houses in the village (house n. 73 that is protected as a monument, for example) still have the “height” – a room on the first floor above the living room. PETROV Probably the most valuable preserved complex of viticultural folklore buildings in the Czech Republic. Since 1983, the Plže wine cellars have been protected as a village historic reserve. About 80 historic wine cellars with Baroque style facades in the form of the forefront with blue plinths and oak doors form several rows flourishing with fullpledged vintner life. KNĚŽDUB The recently renovated rural Baroque house with the unique folklore stuccoes was built at the end of the 18th century. It is the native house of the Uprka brothers, the artists of Slovácko, and today features an exposition on them. Not far from the house is the “Slovácko Cemetery” with artistic tombstones of the personalities of the cultural life in the region. www.straznicko.cz, www.knezdub.cz STRÁŽNICE Museum of the Southeastern Moravian Village – 64 objects are placed here from all ethnographic parts of Slovácko. Among the unique items is for example the exposition of viticultural buildings with a vineyard presenting wine-growing from the most distant times until today. Programs of popular customs are held here for the visitors – the erection of May poles, harvest festivals, the Closing of the Mount or demonstrations of popular crafts. Near the museum, the recently established Museum of Milling Trade was open in the renovated medieval Průžek’s Mill. www.nulk.cz, www.straznicko.cz KUŽELOV This mill, the best preserved windmill of the Dutch type in the Czech territory, was constructed in 1842. Today, you can see it function during demonstration functions; the nearby living areas and outbuildings feature exhibitions of the Horňácko way of life and the local small-scale farming from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. www.technicalmuseum.cz TOPOLNÁ Monuments of folklore architecture – houses n. 90 and 93 with period interiors, two floor lumber rooms, second-generation house and blacksmith’s workshop. The premises also feature several small structures – fruit drying plant, lever and pulley water well, smokehouse, beehouse and a wooden cross in the orchard with old varieties of fruit trees. www.slovackemuzeum.cz LANŽHOT House n. 155 with decorated forefront the typical three-fold layout and the “hook backyard” with an embankment is now the local museum with the exposition of the local costumes, painted furniture, the period dishes and other furnishings. The newly renovated back yard area now hosts temporary exhibitions. PAVLOV A unique urban complex with a row of farm houses with typical features of Baroque architecture and with Česká street that in a very unusual way documents the development of viticultural buildings from simple cellars to ground-floor pressing rooms and living rooms above them. The oldest buildings in Česká street come from the 17th century. The complex, is protected as a village historic reserve. www.obec-pavlov.cz 5 Fair Kuželov – Windmill Fo l k l o r e a n d Fo l k Tr a d i t i o n s Easter Eggs TVAROŽNÁ LHOTA The Travičná sheep pen, an exposition of the life in Kopanice in the open air premises of timbered houses on the Travičná Hill. There you can try out old crafts, taste some medicinal herbs and walk along the instructional trail. www.straznicko.cz woodcarver František Gajda and his students. You can be there when a cymbal is made if you visit the workshop of Mr Jura Galuška in Ostrožská Nová Ves. In the Museum of Tupesy Pottery in the town of Tupesy you can see the process of hand production and decoration of pottery with the typical local motives and in Hroznová Lhota you can visit the Pottery workshop of Jan Benedík from the Uprka family. Ms Jana Mikulcová from Ostrožská Nová Ves will show you how she makes the unique perforated painted Easter Eggs. And if you wonder how the folklore costumes with all the accessories are made, go the newly established School Center of Folk Creativity and Crafts in Blatnička and in Uherský Ostroh. VÁPENKY A complex of traditional buildings with the characteristic gable orientation and the classical three-room disposition document the life of the cotters working at the glass mills in Strání and forest workers. An old school building is also a part of the complex. Village historic reserve. Kunovice – Carnival VELETINY A complex of viticultural buildings without cellars in the Stará hora lane protected as a village historic reserve. VLČNOV The house n. 57 hosts an ethnographic exposition entitled “Rural house and homestead” with the complete inventory of the Vlčnov house place, hall, closet and black kitchen, including parts of the local folk costumes. The large homestead extension houses samples of blacksmith products and agricultural tools from the turn of the 20th century. The complex of viticultural buildings without cellars in the Kojiny lane, protected as a village historic reserve, is also worth a visit. www.mjakub.cz AN ENCOUNTER WITH LIVE TRADITIONS Popular crafts and traditional handmade production form a part of the live traditions of the Slovácko region and are admired for the skills and artistic feelings of generations of local craftsmen. These traditions are treasured here and kept alive so that you can not only see them but also try them out for yourselves. In Strážnice, you will be introduced into the production of the traditional blueprint by Mr František Joch. There you can also see the carved figures and whole Nativity Scenes and decorative objects made by the Examples of the folklore products can be seen at the fairs in Uherské Hradiště, Velká nad Veličkou, Kyjov, Veselí nad Moravou, Strážnice, Moravská Nová Ves or Bzenec. Beautiful pottery, scraped eggs, embroidered napkins, figures made from corn leaves, blueprint, ginger bread, carved pieces, wicker scuttle, bone lace, among others, will forever remind you of the splendid atmosphere of Slovácko. FESTIVALS OF MUSIC, DANCE AND JOY Slovácko is rich not only in folk costumes but also in customs, folklore songs, music and oral art. In the various ethnographic regions – Horňácko, Dolňácko, Podluží and Moravské Kopanice, hundred-years-old traditions and customs are kept even today. The fact that the Slovácko Verbuňk (Dance of Recruits) was included in the UNESCO list of oral and immaterial world heritage bears witness to the originality of the local folklore culture. You can explore the secrets of the this and many other folk dances at the Folklore Dance School in Kunovice, held every August. You can admire the beauty and skills of folk musicians, singers and dancers at folklore festivals many of which gained international fame, or during holidays, popu6 Verbuňk (Dance of Recruits) Tvrdonice – Festival Podluží in Song and Dance lar as well as church festivals forming part of the regular rhythm of the four seasons of the year – The Year of Slovácko. Among the merriest festivals at the turn of the months of February and March is the Mardi Gras procession of dancers, musicians and masquerades. You can see it at the Mardi Gras Festival “Fašaňk” in Strání. During the week before Easter – on Green Thursday, Great Friday and White Saturday you can see processions of boys with clappers and rattles. On Easter Monday, men and boys go on a door to door tour of women and girls. They whisk them with willow sticks for which they are awarded with colorful Easter Eggs. At the turn of April and May, May Poles are erected with decorated tops. One of the most famous and oldest traditions is the Ride of the Kings. The procession of the royal suite accompanied by many horse riders on decorated horses and their cries has kept its unique atmosphere. You can come to see it to Vlčnov, Kunovice, Hluk or Tvrdonice. The greatest number of colorful costumes can be seen each year at the Feast of each community and all of them together at the Slovácko Festival of Wine and Open Monuments in Uherské Hradiště. For more information on this event that takes place in many monuments in the whole town, visit www.slavnostivinauh.cz. A brief selection of the most renowned events that attract visitors to Slovácko during the year is presented in the event calendar. The upto-date listing of all events including Mardi Gras processions, May Pole erections, fairs, feasts, Christmas concerts and live Nativity Scenes can be found at www.slovacko.cz, www.nulk.cz or www.fos.cz. The Mosaic of Attraction A YEAR IN SLOVÁCKO FEBRUARY – MARCH (movable date) Fašank – Festival of Mardi Gras Traditions – Strání MAY The Scything of Buchlov – Buchlovice “Senioři” Folklore Festival – Petrov-Plže Ride of the Kings – Vlčnov, Kunovice, Tvrdonice The Best Verbuňk Dancer of Dolňácko Contest – Kyjov, Staré Město JUNE Children’s Strážnice – Strážnice Horňácko Scything – Malá Vrbka Summer in Kunovice – International Children’s Folklore Festival – Kunovice “Štěpy” International Children’s Folklore Festival – Veselí nad Moravou International Folklore Festival – Strážnice Podluží in Song and Dance – Tvrdonice JULY Dolňácko Festival of Songs and Dances, Ride of the Kings (every 3 years – 2008) – Hluk Horňácko Festival – Velká nad Veličkou Kopanice Festival – Starý Hrozenkov International Festival of Brass Music – Ratíškovice International Folklore Festival – Svatobořice-Mistřín Festival of Czecho-Slovak Brotherhood – Velká Javořina St. Jacob Feast and Fair – Lednice AUGUST Summer Festival of Kyjov – Kyjov Ethnographic Festival of the Kyjov Dolňácko – Milotice The Little Square of Veselí – international show of brass music – Veselí nad Moravou Echoes of Horňácko – Velká nad Veličkou Below the Slovácko vineyard – brass music festival – Dubňany The Slovácko Year (every 4 years – 2007) – Kyjov St. Lawrence Feast and Fair – Hodonín Folklore Dance School – Kunovice SEPTEMBER Slovácko Festival of Wine and Open Monuments – Uherské Hradiště St. Wenceslas Feast – Břeclav OCTOBER Festival of Folklore Bands’ Instruments – Uherské Hradiště NOVEMBER Fiddlers’ Days – Břeclav good wine. Stylish restaurants, wine rooms, hotels and chateaus can also be used for corporate lunches, dinners or social events. Stays featuring tasting chef’s specialties, interesting excursions to wine-making localities, folklore events or other accompanying programs can be prepared exactly according to your wishes and requirements. One of the interesting gastronomical events is Service Tree Festival held very year in mid February in Tvarožná Lhota, the tasting of sausages and other meat products, entitled “The King of the Slovácko Sausage”, held in April in Velká nad Veličkou, or the Garlic Festival that takes place every July in the chateau of Buchlovice. We also have to mention the most famous festival in Slovácko – Saints’ Feasts. Apart from good food and drink, you can expect attractive performances of young people dressed in costumes, led by their elders with the rich decorated mace – the attribute of the Feast – in their hands, walk around the village and invite everybody to the evening party. Strážnice – International Folklore Festival Hog-sticking in Slovácko THE CUISINE OF SLOVÁCKO The cuisine of Slovácko has always been based on the supreme quality of the ingredients, the balance of tastes, honesty during the cooking process and fidelity to the traditional recipes. Ingenious dishes with potatoes and meat, the sweet delicacies of custard, poppy seed or plum jam cakes. Festive meals are like God’s graces; doughnuts or delicious drinks – the Slovácko wines and destillates – plum, apricot and other fruit brandies, all together form the originality of the local cuisine. Moreover, the recipes for these delicacies differ from village to village. Slovácko is the right place to be for gourmets and culinary excursions. Famous dishes such as roast duck, potato buns and cabbage or the Moravian smoked meat with plum sauce, sausages taken straight out of the smokehouse combine excellently with pickled gherkins and horseradish – these are all lures for your senses. If you are guests in Slovácko, you cannot avoid the usual welcome drink – plum brandy, or slivowitz. This drink is made of plums that grow very well on the fruitful local highlands as well as vine. It will give you warmth and awake a good spirit. No hog-sticking in Slovácko – the most attractive home gastronomic event – can do without it. You can taste all the local specialties in the historic vaulted cellars, at the traditional folklore events or in country pubs. In wine cellars you will find homely atmosphere, dancers in costumes with cymbal music and, of course, 7 ROUTES AND PROGRAMS RECOMMENDATIONS Here you are presented with some ideas for interesting programs during your stay in the Slovácko region. If not stated otherwise, you will received more detailed information from Avedon, the destination agency for the region of Slovácko (the phone number +420 519 512 797, e-mail: [email protected]). TO SLOVÁCKO FOR CULINARY SPECIALITIES AND CRAFTS Live your way back to the roots – live folklore, hog-sticking feast, home made slivowitz, an excursion in the times of Great Moravian Empire, to the craftsmanship of the artists of Slovácko and to the spiritual center of Moravia. Day 1: Staré Město – arrival of guests, welcome, accommodation, dinner in hog-sticking style, tasting of slivowitz Day 2: excursion to the archaeological open air museum in Modrá Tupesy – the museum of pottery Velehrad (a get-together in wine cellar) Day 3: Uherské Hradiště (tour of the town, a visit to a country feast, departure of guests) Fo l k l o r e a n d Fo l k Tr a d i t i o n s THE KING AND FOLKLORE OF SLOVÁCKO During the three days of May, see the best of the folklore in Slovácko in Uherské Hradiště, Buchlovice (the Songs of Mowing – festival of choirs and bands) and Vlčnov (the Ride of the Kings). The program focuses on historic monuments, folklore and wine tourism in Slovácko and is designed for all friends of folklore, families with children as well as elderly people and everybody who appreciates an original foklore experience. Day 1: arrival of guests, welcome, accommodation, sightseeing in Uherské Hradiště, evening get-together in wine cellar Day 2: Museum of Tupesy Pottery Vlčnov, folklore craft fair, “Evening for the King” folklore shows – an evening with cymbal music, handover of the King’s realm and introduction of the royal company Day 3: the Songs of Mowing – festival of choirs and bands early in the morning in Buchlovice, mowing meadows, breakfast on the meadow, the best mower contest Vlčnov, fair and the procession of the royal company, the Ride of the Kings and costumed procession, musicians’ goodbye, departure of guests INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN STRÁŽNICE Experience the unique atmosphere of the most prestigious folklore even in Central Europe. Live trough an unforgettable June weekend at the festival of Strážnice. Day 1: Strážnice – arrival of guests, welcome, accommodation, dinner, folklore program in the Bludník amphitheater Day 2: folklore program in the Strážnice skansen, the Zahrada and Zámek amphitheaters, festive dinner in wine cellar with wine tasting Day 3: festive service, guided sightseeing of the town, departure of guests THE SLOVÁCKO FESTIVAL OF WINE AND OPEN MONUMENTS – LONG WEEKEND IN UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ AND SURROUNDING AREA Experience the festival weekend in September in Uherské Hradiště full of folklore, monuments and wine with an optional excursion to the Modrá archaeological skansen and Virgin Mary Ascension Basilica in Velehrad. The program is suitable for individuals, groups or work teams. Day 1: Uherské Hradiště – arrival of guests, welcome, accommodation, dinner in wine cellar with wine tasting Day 2: costumed procession, brass music festival, dinner, evening with cymbal music in open wine cellars Day 3: the fair of Uherské Hradiště, histor- Folklore Handicraft – Dolls of Corn Leaves Day 3: local sightseeing, departure of guests Vlčnov – the Ride of the Kings ical fencing, wine exhibition, visits to “open monuments”, departure of guests ADVENT IN MORAVIAN SLOVÁCKO Experience the atmosphere of coming Christmas in the heart of Moravian Slovácko with Christmas carols, Nativity Scenes and dinners in wine cellar. Day 1: Hodonín – arrival of guests, welcome, accommodation, dinner with music Day 2: “Let’s rejoice” folklore program in the skansen of Strážnice, “Singing at the Christmas Tree”, visit to the international exhibition of Nativity Scenes, advent dinner in wine cellar with wine tasting Day 3: departure of guests Further information available at: Hotel Panon, Koupelní 4, 692 22 Hodonín, tel.: +420 518 341 243-7, e-mail: [email protected], www.hotelpanon.cz SLOVÁCKO FEAST A three-day intensive initiation into the secrets of the Slovácko Feasts. You will see the procession, its elders, the mace of right and other requisites of the original folklore feasts. Day 1: arrival of guests, welcome, accommodation, festive dinner, get-together with cymbal music and costumed members of the procession Day 2: parttaking in the costumed festival procession, entertainment at brass music to dance or listen to 8 HOG-STICKING IN SLOVÁCKO Come to experience the culinary ceremony of the hog-sticking in the region of Slovácko – a three-day’s program designed for all who love regional specialties, good wine and slivowitz. Day 1: arrival of guests, welcome, accommodation, festive dinner (regional specialties), evening in wine cellar with wine tasting and cymbal music Day 2: parttaking in hog-sticking – lunch – pork specialities visits to wine cellars all evening out with cymbal music and typical hog-sticking delicacies Day 3: local sightseeing, departure of guests THE MASTERS OF THE CRAFT Come to admire the craftsmanship of the potters, embroiders and dyers of the region of Slovácko. Two-day’s program with demonstrations of traditional crafts and bargains possibilities with accommodation in Kyjov. Day 1: Museum of Tupesy Pottery Chateau of Buchlovice excursion to the blueprint workshop in Strážnice, dinner (local specialties), wine cellar (wine tasting, cymbal music) Day 2: Kněždub – the house of the Slovácko artistic family of the Uprkas Uherský Ostroh Blatnička – School Center of Folk Creativity and Crafts in Blatnička sightseeing in Kyjov Monuments and Histor y A JOURNEY IN TIME Buchlov Castle Slovácko is a region with rich and interesting history that is manifested by remarkable monuments almost everywhere you go. People have lived here since prehistoric times as proven by frequent archeological finds. The Venus of Věstonice is worldfamous for being probably the first ever ceramic object made by man. The time of prehistoric hunters had been long gone when fortified strongholds of the Great Moravian Empire grew in the valley of the Morava river with busy trade, crafts as well as the first churches. Pohansko, Mikulčice, Modrá, Staré Město and Uherské Hradiště-Sady – those are the places where thanks to archeological research the old Empire speaks again after a thousand years and yields its treasures. After the fall of Great Moravia, the Slovácko region became a firm borderland of the kingdom. Strong castles appeared here such as Buchlov, Hodonín, Břeclav, Podivín or Mikulov together with fortified towns of Uherské Hradiště, Strážnice and Uherský Brod often had to oppose and withhold the enemy. But the times kept changing and the walled castles changed into wealthy and beautiful aristocratic seats. Today we admire the style and luxury of the chateaus with great parks in Buchlovice, Milotice, Strážnice, Lednice or Valtice. The rich history of Slovácko has its spiritual dimension, too. It has churches on Christian pilgrimage sites such as the Basilica in Velehrad, the pottery of the anabaptists is the legacy of the protestant sect that once found refuge here; the deserted synagogues and cemeteries speak to us about the hundreds-years’ history of the Jewish presence in this part of Moravia. All these monuments reveal themselves to everybody with an open heart. 9 Monuments and Histor y TREASURES OF ARCHEOLOGY You will find the testimonies of prehistoric settlement in many places. Here, several chapters of the history of the mankind were written – human civilisation has developed in the interaction of various ethnics, cultures and traditions. Slovácko had a very special significance in the history of the Slavic settlement in our territory, especially in the 9th century. This is documented by many finds in many localities but above all by the discovery of the three major centers of Great Moravia in Staré Město, Mikulčice and Pohansko near Břeclav. BŘECLAV Slavic stronghold Břeclav – Pohansko At the beginning of the 9th century, a Slavic stronghold was built of oval shape on the total area of 24 ha with massive, four meters tall ramparts and the lord’s homestead. The “Slavic Monument” exposition documents the results of the extensive archeological research. A pagan shrine was reconstructed in front of the chateau from the beginning of the 10th century and a hut with a well from the 9th century. The area of Pohansko has an instructional trail. Zámek Pohansko, 690 02 Břeclav, www.muzeum.breclav.org Pohansko Chateau – the Slavic Memorial Exposition DOLNÍ VĚSTONICE Archeological exposition The exposition presents the life of mammoth hunters who had their camps at the foothills of the Pálava Hills during the Ice Age. It features samples of the oldest pottery and textile, a model of a prehistoric camp including the skeletons from the Ice Age, flint stone instruments, stylized sculptures of humans and animals and decorations from shells and animal teeth. The unique exhibit is a maquette of the Venus of Věstonice from burnt clay. Archeologická expozice, 691 29 Dolní Věstonice, www.rmm.cz parts represent real archeological objects. The skansen is connected with the archeological location “Na Díle”. www.archeoskanzen.cz Modrá – Archeological Skansen KNĚŽDUB Stronghold of Šumárník A peak stronghold from the Bronze and Iron Age. Remnants of several buildings were discovered here and several small finds. The bronze horse statue with a rider is kept in the museum in Strážnice. The stronghold with the information board and the reconstruction of the entrance gate are parts of the Šumárnická instructional trail above the village of Kněždub. MIKULČICE Slavic stronghold in Mikulčice One of the most important archeological locations in the Czech Republic is located near te village of Mikulčice. The exposition entitled “Great Moravia” presents various finds from 7th – 9th centuries. Unique are the wooden objects that are usually not preserved in our climatic conditions, for example chiseled boats, or monoxyles, discovered during the research of the disappeared river beds. The pedestrian instructional circuit presents the remains of twelve churches and the princely palace from the era of the Great Moravian Empire. Nearby is located the Skařiny nature reserve. Slovanské hradiště v Mikulčicích, Mikulčice – Valy, 696 19 Mikulčice, www.masaryk.info, www.mikulcice-valy.info MODRÁ Na Díle The archeological site “Na Díle” lies on the edge of the village of Modrá and was proclaimed a national cultural monument. The foundations of a stone church from the beginning of the christianisation of Moravia in the first half of the 9th century were discovered here. Nearby you can see the reconstruction of the original building. www.slovackemuzeum.cz Archeological skansen The archeological skansen presents the ideal form of a Great Moravian fortified settlement (8 th – 9 th century). The lower 10 Uherské Hradiště-Sady – Špitálky King’s table Four kilometers North of the village of Modrá is a stone formation called Králův stůl (“King’s Table”), probably a part of prehistoric solar calendar that was later used as a border stone. Legend has it that King Přemysl Otakar I took a rest at it at the beginning of the 13th century. OSVĚTIMANY St. Clement’s stronghold The national cultural monument is sitauted near the village of Osvětimany. This archeologically important site with a Great Moravian stronghold and chapel of St. Clement, the pope and martyr. www.slovackemuzeum.cz Mikulčice – Slavic Stronghold STARÉ MĚSTO Memorial of Great Moravia The exposition in the Memorial of Great Moravia focuses on the presentation of the finds from the Great Moravian settlement in the territory of today’s Staré Město and Uherské Hradiště. It was built on one of the important plots in the archeological location Na Valách where the foundations of a Great Moravian church were disclosed. The oldest finds document the presence of the Slavs as early as in the 6th century. Památník Velké Moravy, Jezuitská 1885, 686 02 Staré Město, www.slovackemuzeum.cz Na Špitálkách The archeological location Na Špitálkách is a national cultural monument. There are foundations of a Great Moravian church from the 9th century. www.slovackemuzeum.cz A Journey in Time Uherské Hradiště – Franciscan Monastery UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ Sady – Špitálky The national cultural monument is located in Uherské Hradiště – Sady. A complex of church and administrative court with four sacral buildings, baptismal font, halled house and 15 cabins including craft workshops were discovered here. With most probability, this is the Chapter Dome and the seat of Archbishop Methodius. www.slovackemuzeum.cz BUCHLOVICE Castle of Buchlov The castle is situated on one of the highest peaks of the Chřiby Hills above the village of Buchlovice. It was built in the first half of the 13th century and it has kept its original medieval disposition also due to the fact that in the 19th century, it was turned into a family museum and open to the public. Its interiors host an exposition of the original furniture as well as a rich natural collection. The local curiosity is the Egyptian mummy with coffin from the 3rd century BC. You can also visit the lookout tower and St. Barbara chapel with the crypt of the Berchtolds, is the owners of the castle, that is sitauted on a neighbouring hill about 1 km far. Státní hrad Buchlov, 687 08 Buchlovice, www.zamek-buchlovice.cz INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 1 IT Modřansko Development of settlement of the Modrá area from prehistoric times until today. Modrá King’s Table • Length: 4.5 km • 5 stops • suitable for walking and cycling 2 IT Břeclav – Pohansko – Lány Chateau of Pohansko, reconstructed pagan shrine, border fortification, chateau of Lány. Břeclav (center, bridge over the Dyje) Pohansko Lány • Length: 7 km • 20 stops • suitable for walking and cycling TOURS OF CASTLES AND CHATEAUS Castles and chateaus that from time immemorial have been part of the landscape attract countless visitors. Architectural jewels set in carefully kept parks are full of precious furniture, paintings and other works of art. The fairy tale atmosphere is appreciated during the tourist season when interesting cultural events are held there as well as pastimes such as falconing or horse-drawn carriage rides. Some chateaus are not open normally to public and serve other purposes. In many others, you can see the exhibitions of the local museums and in the surrounding parks beautiful old trees. Chateau of Buchlovice Chateau of Buchlovice The chateau was built in the style of Italian Baroque at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. It is a uniquely dispositioned architectural complex with a rich stucco and fresco decoration of the interiors. The chateau and the park display sculpture decorations and other architectural elements. During the summer months, you can see a unique sales exhibition of fuchsias, visit the chateau wine bank, a station for injured animals or take part in some of the many cultural events. The former stables now feature a newly established archeological and ethnographic exposition of pottery entitled “At the beginning was pottery”. Státní zámek Buchlovice, 687 08 Buchlovice, www.zamek-buchlovice.cz 11 Cimburk CIMBURK Castle ruins One of the most impressive castle ruins in Moravia. The castle was constructed in the first half of the 14th century in the middle of thick woods over the deep valley of the Kyjovka river. The last adaptation took lace in the 17 th century. In the polygonal bastion you can visit an exposition dedicated to the history and the development of the castle. The best view is from the castle wall and from below the watch tower. During the season, concerts, theater performances and exhibitions take place at the castle. The annually held Days of the Muses is a workshop for professional artists as well as the visitors of the castle. www.cimburk.cz HODONÍN Masaryk museum – Chateau The Baroque building from 1642 served as administrative center of the estate and was rebuilt several times. Today it houses the permanent exposition dedicated to the personality of the first Czechoslovak president and the history of the town Hodonín. During the year, temporary exhibitions and other cultural events are held here. Masarykovo muzeum v Hodoníně, Zámecké nám. 9, 695 01 Hodonín, www.masaryk.info KYJOV Chateau of Kyjov The chateau is the oldest preserved building in the town, it was built by the owner of the estate Jan Kuna of Kunštát. Later it became to be owned by the town and was used for various purposes. It kept its original appearance until 1911 when it was reconstructed and the outside plaster were decorated with the sgraffiti by Jan Köhler. Today it is the museum with three permanent expositions – archeology, ethnography and nature. Vlastivědné muzeum v Kyjově, Palackého 70, 697 01 Kyjov, www.masaryk.info Monuments and Histor y Chateau of Lednice LEDNICE Chateau of Lednice The chateau of Lednice with the park is one of the supreme works of Romantic architecture. At the end of the 17th century, a Baroque chateau was built on the site of the former castle. It was rendered its neo-Gothic appearance in the 19th century. The interiors boast unique wooden carved decorations with the typical spiral staircase and panel ceilings. The complex of buildings with eight wings and four courtyards also features the renovated historic greenhouse with tropical plants. Státní zámek Lednice, Zámek 1, 691 44 Lednice, www.npu.cz LEDNICE-VALTICE AREA Chateaus, mansions, view-points and pavilions in Romantic, Classicist as well as Empire style render sensitive finishing touches to the natural park and form an inseparable part of the landscape of the Garden of Europe. The most beautiful views of the Lednice-Valtice Area are from the Rajstna view point above the vineyards of Valtice, from the Border Chateau on the former Austrian-Moravian border and from the Minaret – the unique Moorish style lookout tower in the middle of the Lednice chateau park. Among other sites that attract large numbers of visitors is the artificial castle ruins called Jan’s Castle, the Temple of Diana also called Rendez-vous imitating the Roman Arch of Triumph and the Classicist Pond Chateau from the terrace of which you can see another jewel – the Temple of Apollon. The chateau of Pohansko also has archeological exhibition of the Slavic stronghold and there are several other buildings that deserve your attention – the Temple of the Three Graces, the New Farm, St. Hubertus Chapel and the chateaus of Belveder and Lány. The area is included in the UNESCO List of Cultural and Natural Heritage. www.jm-unesco.cz MIKULOV Chateau of Mikulov Originally a Romanesque castle was rebuilt into the present Baroque chateau com- plex in the 18 th century. The only preserved Gothic elements are the defensive Edge Tower, the tall tower with the Chapel of Virgin Mary and John the Evangelist from 1380, the Gothic entrance gate into the inner courtyard and part of the chateau’s cellars. The chateau now houses the Regional Museum in Mikulov and some of the interesting exhibitions include the Dietrichstein Gallery depicting the history of the Mikulov branch of the Dietrichsteins from 16th century onwards, the chateau library, the exposition entitled “From Gothic to Empire” and the famous wine-making exposition that features the chateau cellar with the Giant Cask and wooden log and spindle wine presses. Regionální muzeum v Mikulově, Zámek 1, 692 01 Mikulov, www.rmm.cz STRÁŽNICE Chateau of Strážnice Originally a Renaissance chateau that was rebuilt in the Romantic style in the 19th century is today the seat of the National Institute of Folklore Culture. During your tour you will see the precious historic library with 13 000 volumes, the exposition entitled “Folklore Music Instruments in the Czech Republic”, the only one of its kind in Central Europe, and temporary and seasonal exhibitions in the chateau gallery. The Pink, Green and Yellow Lounges serve as venues for various representative events as well as for concerts and cultural programs. Recently the Knights’ Hall and the Chateau Chapel were open to the public. Národní ústav lidové kultury, Zámek 672, 696 62 Strážnice, www.nulk.cz MILOTICE Chateau of Milotice The Chateau developed from the original medieval stronghold first mentioned in the 14 th century. Today you can visit the building of the chateau with the Courtyard of Honor, Riding Hall, stables, two orangeries, French park and the nearby pheasantry with follies. The interiors of the chateau are richly decorated and host a wine bank and the “Old Kitchen” restaurant in the style of the 1920s that offers meals made according to the recipes from the times of the last private owners of the chateau. During the season, on some weekends you can enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or watch jousts and concerts. Státní zámek Milotice, 696 05 Milotice, www.npu.cz UHERSKÝ BROD Chateau of Uherský Brod A small Baroque building from the beginning of the 18th century was designed by the famous Italian architect Domenico Martinelli who also designed the Dietrichstein Palace in Brno. Originally, a generous Baroque chateau complex was supposed to be constructed on the site of an extinct Gothic castle, but only a fragment was built – the three-bodied column hall with Baroque cross vaults that is now used by the Museum of J. A. Komenský (Comenius) for temporary exhibitions and cultural events. PODIVÍN Jan’s Castle Jan’s Castle, also called Janohrad, was built between 1807 and 1810 as an artificial castle ruins and named after Jan of Liechtenstein who acquired the estate of Lednice in 1370. It was used as a hunting chateau. On the first floor you can visit the Knight’s Hall where hunting feasts took place, and the lounges in the towers of the castle. The Southern tower offers a nice view of the area. Today, the castle hosts wedding ceremonies and the courtyard can be used for various festivals, buffets and other social events. The castle can be reached in a carriage or by boat from the chateau of Lednice, the Minaret or from Břeclav. Státní zámek Lednice, Zámek 1, 691 44 Lednice, www.npu.cz 12 Valtice – Rajstna VALTICE Chateau of Valtice The chateau is considered to be one of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture in the Czech Republic. Its present appearance is the result of many adaptations authored by famous architects, sculptors and painters. During the tour, you will visit some of the period interiors. In the summer months, the premisis of the chateau becomes the venue for international music festivals. The chateau also houses the National Wine Center including the exposition of the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic where you can taste and buy any of the top 100 wines made in the country. You can also taste wine in the Chateau Cellar from 1430 that is one of the oldest and largest cellars in Moravia (it can hold up to 700 000 liters). Státní zámek Valtice, Zámek 1, 691 42 Valtice, www.npu.cz A Journey in Time INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 3 IT Journey through the Town’s History History and building development of Mikulov, the artists of Mikulov Mikulov (square) • Length: 4 km • 6 stops • suitable for walking, partly for cycling 4 IT Through the Chateau Park Development of the Mikulov chateau park and its renovation Mikulov (Chateau Park) • Length: 1 km • 7 stops • suitable for walking 5 IT Paseky-castle The village of Boleradice, the former medieval castle and surroundings Boleradice (Southern edge of the village, road to Hustopeče) • Circuit, length: 1.6 km • 7 stops • suitable for walking Buchlovice – St. Barbara Chapel Mikulov – Holly Hill TO PILGRIMAGE SITES The region of Slovácko is traditionally very devout. You will see that whether you stop at a simple village church during the mass or visit Velehrad – the best known pilgrimage site in Moravia – and take part in the National Pilgrimage of St. Cyril and Methodius. Churches and chapels shine with love manifested by the believers in the form of flower decorations or renovated facades. When you stop at one of these places for a moment, you might hear the same vocation as thousands of pilgrims whose steps have for centuries Velehrad led to the many pilgrimage site in Slovácko. Through the Stations of the Cross, Pilgrims have since the 17th century been ascending to the Baroque chapel of St. Anthony of Padua on the Blatnická Mount. The main pilgrimage takes place on the first Sunday after the 13th June. On the Holy Trinity Holiday, they visit with humbleness in their hearts the chapel of St. Barbara near the castle of Buchlov. Many come to Žarošice to bow to the statue of the Graceful Virgin Mary on the first Saturday after the 8th September. Ever since the 17th century, numbers of pilgrims walk up the Stations of the Cross during the Virgin Mary Procession in September on the Holy Hill above Mikulov. Another importnant Virgin Mary pilgrims’ site in Slovácko is in Uherský Brod. Catholics come to the monastery church of Virgin Mary Ascended to see the painting of the Black Madonna during the procession at the first weekend in September when the major Rosary Procession takes place. Among other pilgrimage sites is the Great Moravian Stronghold in Mikulčice where the Procession of St. Cyril and Methodius is held at the beginning of July. The pilgrimage sites in Slovácko say a lot about the spiritual and cultural level of the inhabitants of the region. VELEHRAD The tradition of Velehrad goes back to the beginning of the 13 th century when the first Cistercian Monastery in Moravia was founded. In the 18th century, the monastery was expensively rebuilt i n 13 the Baroque style. The ostentatious Baroque decoration of the dome and the monastery complex was carried out by the prominent artists of the time. The jewel of the interior are the carved wooden choir pews, made in 1700. The significance of Velehrad as a pilgrimage site started to rise in mid 1800s in connection with the national revival and the search for national roots in the tradition of Great Moravia. In time it became the most important pilgrimage site in Moravia which was manifested by the visite of the Pope John Paul II. Velehrad is not only a significant destination for pilgrims, but also a remarkable testimony of the development of the architecture and art from the Romanesque times until today. The monastery complex has the Basilica of the Ascension of Virgin Mary and the St. Cyril and Methodius, founded at the beginning of the 13th century, the Baroque chapel of St. John of Nepomuk and the chapel of St. Vendelin. In the lapidary, visitors can see the exposition on Romanesque architecture. The major St. Cyril and Methodius procession takes place on the 5th July, on the day of these two Saints that is also a national holiday. The procession if the height of the week’s festival entitled Days of Good Will People with rich programs including concerts and services or environmental lectures and sports competitions. www.jesuit.cz/velehrad, www.velehrad.cz Monuments and Histor y MONUMENTS OF THE JEWISH CULTURE The Jewish population distinctively partook in the life and development of the towns and villages in Slovácko. The oldest Jewish settlement is recorded in Strážnice, Bzenec, Uherský Brod, Břeclav and Mikulov. Material testimonies of the violently disrupted existence of the Jewish communities are the preserved parts of Jewish quarters, synagogues – for example in Uherské Hradiště, Veselí nad Moravou and Mikulov, and cemeteries in Uherský Ostroh, Hodonín, Dambořice, Veselí nad Moravou, Velká nad Veličkou, Podivín and Mikulov. The agitated fate of the Jews were perhaps best described by the rabbi Richard Feder: “The history of Jews in this part of Europe can be best observed in an old Jewish cemetery. First we see many traditional tombstones in the believers’ last resting places, then came the ostentatious tombs of the emancipation followed by simple stones from the time of horror. And then nothing, just a large, empty space.” BŘECLAV The synagogue in Břeclav was constructed in the second half of the 19th century. It was recently renovated and now is used for cultural and social purposes. It also features an exposition on the history of the local Jewish community. The cemetery has about 200 tombstones, the crypt of the Kuffner family and the neo-Gothic ceremonial hall from 1892. www.muzeum.breclav.org BZENEC Most of the houses from the once large Jewish quarter in Bzenec in the typical location between the town square and the chateau have been preserved. The cemetery was founded in the Middle Ages and has precious stones of the Baroque and Classicist style. At the entrance is the eclectic ceremonial hall from around 1900. www.bzenec.cz Uherské Hradiště – Synagogue MIKULOV Mikulov, the spiritual, cultural and political center of the Moravian Jews, is the most significant out of the 20 or so Jewish-related locations in Slovácko. For three centuries – from mid 1500s until the middle of the 19th century, Mikulov was the seat of the Moravian Chief Rabbis. The Jewish quarter was situated on the Western slopes of the Chateau Hill. From the original 317 houses in the winding little streets of the ghetto, there are only 90 of them left, but many of them have precious architectural elements of the Renaissance, Baroque and Classicist periods. Out of the 12 synagogues, only the Upper Synagogue has been preserved until today with a very interesting interior disposition vaulted upon a four-column pillar. Today it functions as a venue for concerts and exhibitions. The Jewish cemetery from the beginning of the 15th century has about 4000 tombstones. Their artistic style and ornaments became a model for other Jewish cemeteries in South Moravia. Pilgrims from all over the world come to visit the graves of the learned rabbis located on the Rabbis’ Hill. All the interesting Jewish monuments in Mikulov are linked by an instructional trail. www.rmm.cz PODIVÍN The oldest recored account of Jews in Moravia from 1067 is related to Podivín. The ghetto was formed by tow separate locations to the South and to the North of the square. At the entrance to the cemetery there is the Romantic ceremonial Hall in the Moorish style from mid 19th century with a small exhibition. DAMBOŘICE The local cemetery was founded at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries and features 300 – 400 tombstones. Old tombstones have Hebrew inscriptions and some of them have symbols related to the names, occupations or characters of the deceased. The tombs are made of sand stone, granite and lime stone. More recent granite or marble tombstones are more simple and usually bear German or Czech inscriptions. www.damborice.cz STRÁŽNICE A part of the preserved former Jewish quarter with winding streets including a house with the underground ritual bath called mikveh is located to the North of the square. The Classicist synagogue is surrounded from three sides by the cemetery, which is exceptional in Moravia. The Jewish cemetery is the second largest in Moravia with the oldest graves from the first half of the 17th century. www.straznicko.cz Strážnice – Synagogue UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ The synagogue was built in 1875 in an eclectic style, but was rebuilt in 1904 in the Art Nouveau style. It served as a house of prayer until the WWII and now houses the Library of Bedřich Beneš Buchlovan. www.uherske-hradiste.cz, www.knihovnabbb.cz UHERSKÝ BROD Only two houses remain from the former ghetto in the Southeastern sector of the inner town. The new Jewish cemetery founded in 1870 has about 1100 tombstones including the tomb of the rabbi Naathan Naatha from 1863, brought over from the original cemetery. The ceremonial hall has memorial plaques with the names of the holocaust victims. INSTRUCTIONAL TRAIL 6 IT Through the Jewish Quarter – Mikulov History of the Jewish community, description of 13 houses in the former ghetto Mikulov (Husova Street) Jewish cemetery • Length: 1 km • suitable for walking, partly for cycling 14 Mikulov – Jewish Cemetery A Journey in Time Chateau of Milotice RECOMMENDED ROUTES AND PROGRAMS Below are presented several ideas for interesting programs for your stay in Slovácko. If not stated otherwise, you will receive further information from Avedon, the destination agency for the region of Slovácko (the phone number +420 519 512 797 or at the e-mail: [email protected]). IN THE TRACES OF GREAT MORAVIA Explore Hodonín, the birth place of President Masaryk, the beauties of the wine-making region of Kyjov as well as the foothills of the Chřiby Hills with Velehrad, the most important pilgrimage site in the country. End your journey at the heart of Slovácko as well as the antique Great Moravian Empire Staré Město – Memorial of Great Moravia – in Staré Město and Uherské Hradiště. Day 1: Hodonín – arrival, accommodation, information, festive welcome dinner Day 2: Hodonín (tour of the town, Masaryk Museum) Mikulčice (Slavic stronghold) Baroque chateau in Milotice Kyjov (tour of the historic square, homeland museum) guided excursion to a wine-making company nearby accommodation in Kyjov, festive dinner in wine cellar with wine tasting and cymbal music Day 3: Osvětimany (St. Clement stronghold) castle of Buchlov chateau of Buchlovice Tupesy (Museum of Tupesy Pottery) Velehrad (Basilica of Ascension of Virgin Mary, lapidary) accommodation in Uherské Hradiště, cultural program (according to the up-to-date offer) Day 4: Staré Město (Memorial of Great Moravia) Uherské Hradiště (tour of the town, Museum of Slovácko, shopping for traditional folklore products) Sailing on the Baa Channel wine cellars in Uherské Hradiště-Mařatice dinner – local specialties, get together in wine cellar with music program Day 5: Departure CASTLES AND CHATEAUS OF SLOVÁCKO Within six days, explore the pearls of Slovácko – the castle of Buchlov and the chateaus of Buchlovice, Milotice, Strážnice, Lednice, Valtice and Mikulov. Day 1: Arrival in Uherské Hradiště, accommodation, individual program, festive lunch Archeological skansen in Modrá Velehrad (Basilica of Ascension of Virgin Mary, lapidary) Uherské Hradiště (tour of the town and of burghers’ wine cellars in Mařatice, wine tasting with cymbal music or watching a match of the 1st Czech football league) Day 2: Uherské Hradiště Osvětimany (St. Clement Stronghold) Staré Město (Memorial of Great Moravia) Uherské Hradiště (historic town center, church of St. Francis Xavier, Reduta, Marian Square, chapel of St. Elisabeth, Museum of Slovácko and its Gallery, festive dinner or a performance at the Slovácko theater) Day 3: Uherské Hradiště Chateau of Buchlovice Castle of Buchlov Baroque Chateau in Milotice Hodonín (accommodation, evening walk through Hodonín, individual program) Day 4: Hodonín Strážnice (chateau with the exposition of folklore musical instruments, Museum of the Southeastern Moravian Village) Tvarožná Lhota (Museum of the Service Tree and tasting of its unique products, Trail – short circuit 3 km, long circuit 7 km, walking past the giant trees, drying plant, lookout tower and sheep pen) Petrov (Plže Wine Cellars, dinner in wine cellar) Hodonín Day 5: Hodonín Lednice (chateau, greenhouse, chateau park) Jan’s Castle Valtice (Baroque chateau, visit to the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic) Border Chateau Rendez-vous Dubňany (festive dinner in wine cellar, wine tasting and 15 cymbal music – for groups) Hodonín Day 6: Hodonín Mikulov (historic center, Dietrichstein Crypt, chateau with the exposition of the Regional Museum in Mikulov, Jewish quarter with synagogue and Jewish cemetery), departure MONUMENTS OF THE VINTNERS’ LAND See the monuments of the vintners’ country from the impressive chateaus of Buchlovice, Strážnice, Lednice and Valtice, the interesting museums in Uherské Hradiště, Uherský Brod and Hodonín to the wine-making monuments in Uherské Hradiště-Mařatice, Vlčnov, Petrov-Plže and Valtice. Day 1: Uherské Hradiště – arrival, accommodation, information, festive welcome dinner Day 2: Uherské Hradiště (tour of the town, the Museum of Slovácko) Velehrad (Basilica of the Ascension of Virgin Mary, lapidary) chateau of Buchlovice visit to the wine cellars in Uherské Hradiště-Mařatice, dinner and get-together in wine cellar Day 3: Uherský Brod (tour of the town, visit to the Museum of J. A. Komenský) Vlčnov (wine cellars alley) historic stronghold in Hluk transfer to Veselí nad Moravou (navigation on the Baa Channel to Strážnice) accommodation in Strážnice, individual program Day 4: Strážnice (chateau with the exposition of folklore musical instruments, Museum of the Southeastern Moravian Village – skansen) Mikulčice (Slavic stronghold) Hodonín (tour of the town, Museum od Oil Extraction and Geology) Petrov-Plže (Wine Cellars) dinner in the microbrewery Day 5: Lednice (chateau, greenhouse, chateau park) Jan’s Castle (hunting exposition) Valtice (Baroque chateau, visit to the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic) Border Chateau Rendez-vous festive dinner in wine cellar with wine tasting and cymbal music Day 6: Departure Chateau of Valtice Wine and Wine-Making THE LAND OF WINE Slovácko and wine come together. Wine resounds in the tunes of the Slovácko songs, it is the central point of many hundreds years old traditions and vineyard rows as well as wine cellar alleys belong to Slovácko as much as the folklore costumes. It is so perhaps because the roots of wine-making go back deep in the history. Grapevine was probably brought here by the Roman soldiers two thousand years ago, but it quickly became naturalized in the fruitful valleys around the Morava river, on the slopes of the Pálava Hills, in the foothills of the Chřiby and the White Carpathians. It became a part of the life of the local people. For them, it meant a living, care and joy of the harvest. Wine accompanied everybody from the cradle to the grave. No wonder it became – besides love – perhaps the most frequent topic of the local songs that any visit to a wine cellar or festival can do without. There are many festivals and popular customs all year round, the most famous being “closing the mount“ and wine-picking festivals. Both occasions have many things in common – good atmosphere, humour, merry songs and plenty of good wine and food, but the autumn wine-picking festival has a trump – fresh wine called burčák. For the locals and experienced, it is youth potion “prescribed by local physicians”, and for newco16 mers it is a test of organism resistence. Those not successful might take the test again, perhaps the next year. Vineyards, wine cellars and wine cellar alleys render Slovácko its unmistakable features. There are many places in the world where vine is grown, but you will hardly find another land with so manu small vineyards and family cellars that form little streets or whole villages on the edges of towns or in the middle of vineyards. It is a world of its own, full of tempting smells and tastes. If you enter, in the pressing room you will see diplomas hanging on some honorable spots. They witness the vintner’s successes at some of the many wine exhibitions where champions – the best wines of Slovácko – are evaluated. Behind every such diploma there is a lot of effort, knowledge and skill and vintners are very proud of them. The best of them also bring medals and diplomas from exhibitions abroad and testify the excellent quality of the Slovácko wines in the toughest world competition. Good wine in Slovácko is part of every lain table and the pride of the host. When they pour a glass for you, you will see in it the sun of Slovácko, you will smell the local soil and taste its fruits. Slovácko and wine come together. The Land of Wine Strážnice – Chateau Wine Cellars TRADITION OF WINE-MAKING Archeological finds from the Mušov area show that grapevine was already grown in the region of Slovácko as early as in the times of the Roman Empire (3rd – 4th centuries AD). The real development of winemaking, however, began with the arrival of Christianity and the foundations of monasteries, especially the Cistercians in Velehrad. Aristocracy also played an important role in the process of vineyard foundation, e. g. the Liechtensteins, or even burghers from Brno. The diversity of soil, altitude, relief of the landscape, orienatation of vineyards and specific microclimate tender the local wines a specific character. The most widespread white species if Grüner Veltliner, Italian Riesling and Müller Thurgau, the red wine in the area are usually Lemberger, Saint Laurent and Blue Portugal. The region of Slovácko is a part of the Moravian wine region that is divided into four subregions – Znojmo, Mikulov, Velké Pavlovice and Slovácko. Three of these subregions lie in the territory of Slovácko (Mikulov, Velké Pavlovice and Slovácko). the Pálava Hills is suitable for Riesling, Gewurztraminer and the Pálava species. VELKÉ PAVLOVICE WINE SUBREGION The Velké Pavlovice Wine Subregion includes two former regions – Brno and Velké Pavlovice. In its Northern part that reaches as far as Brno, the sandy soil bears very good white wines – apart from Grüner Veltliner also Pinot Gris or the aromatic Gewurztraminer or Moravian Muscat. Around Židlochovice, the Pinot species grow very well. From the South to the North, the terrain rises a little, and on the Southern slopes around Zaječí and Rakvice, Grüner Veltliner, Italian Reisling and Blue Portugal is grown. Somewhat higher positioned vineyard in the area of Velké Pavlovice, Velké Bílovice or Hustopeče is dominated by Lemberger, André and Blue Portugal. The highest located wine areas in the surroundings of Klobouky is suitable for Neuburger and Müller Thurgau. Petrov-Plže SLOVÁCKO WINE SUBREGION The newly established subregion of Slovácko includes the former regions of Bzenec, Kyjov, Mutěnice, Strážnice, Uherské Hradiště and the area of Podluží. Compared to the subregions of Mikulov and Velké Pavlovice, this subregion is characterized by very diverse natural conditions. The Southernmost part – Podluží – has favourable conditions for red wines such as Lemberger or Zweigeltrebe. Around Mutěnice and Čejkovice prosper Gewurztraminer, Moravian Muscat and Riesling. The two latter wines together with Müller Thurgau and Pinot Gris are the most popular wines from the area of Kyjov. The Bzenec and surroundings is famous for its Riesling from which Bzenecká lipka (the Bzenec Lime) is made. Another important wine-making center in this area is Polešovice. The major species grown in area of Uherské Hradiště is Müller Thurgau, whereas the heavy soils of the Western foothills of the White Carpathians are good for Grüner Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc and Riesling that are together used for the popular cuvée entitled Blatnický roháč (Blatnice Stag). Apart from the Blatnice pod Sv. Antonínkem, another wine-making center of the Southeastern part of the subregion is Strážnice. Here, the cuvée Žerotín is popular, named after the hill with a beautiful view of Strážnice. The local vineyards have a good competition in the service trees producing very healthy fruit. Strážnice is also interesting for the old, almost extinct species of Frašák that the local wine-makers try to bring back. INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 1 Wine instructional trail Mikulov Mikulov Bavory Perná Horní Věstonice Dolní Věstonice Pavlov Klentnice Mikulov • Length 20 km • 17 stops • suitable for walking, cycling and driving 2 Wine instructional trail Valtice Valtice vineyards over Valtice Cross Cellar Rajstna wine cellars in Valtice • Length 5 km • 19 stops • suitable for walking and cycling (no cycling in the chateau park) MIKULOV WINE SUBREGION The Southernmost wine subregion is famous for its Italian Riesling and the locally bred species – Pálava and Aurelius. The largest wine-making centers are Mikulov, Valtice, Dolní Dunajovice and Novosedly. On the lime soil in the surroundings of the Pálava Hills, it is Italian Reisling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that reach the best quality. In the more clay-like soils of the Dunajovice Hills it is apart from Riesling also Grüner Veltliner. Valtice is famous for Grüner Sylvaner. The area North of 3 Wine instructional trail Němčičky Němčičky (right side of the road to Velké Pavlovice) Němčičky • Length 10 km • 4 stops • suitable for cycling and walking 17 4 Trail through the Vineyards of Strážnice Strážnice (Žerotín Hills) Sudoměřice Petrov Strážnice • Length 12 km • Informations boards, leaflets • suitable for cycling and walking Wine and Wine-Making Mikulov – Giant Cask CURIOSITIES OF WINE-MAKING The testimonies of the development of wine making throughout the centuries that have passed since the first vineyards were planted in Slovácko can be seen in the wine-making expositions in Valtice, Hustopeče, Strážnice and Uherské Hradiště. Valuable collections including the unique Giant Cask and wooden beam wine presses are featured in the Regional Museum in the Mikulov Chateau. In between the poetically named vineyards, you will discover wine cellars formed in characteristic little villages. You can visit for example Plže near Petrov, considered to be the most valuable preserved complex of wine-making folklore buildings in the Czech Republic, or Kojiny in Vlčnov with pressing rooms outside cellars, wine cellar complexes Pod Starou Horou in Blatnice pod Sv. Antonínkem, Kříb in Kozojídky, Starý Potok in Sudoměřice, Stará Hora in Veletiny, Stráž in Vrbice, Pod Búdama in Čejč, Dubňanská Hora in Dubňany, Šidleny in Milotice, Nechory in Prušánky, Zlatý Kopeček in Čejkovice, the wine cellar alley in Polešovice, the anabaptists’ wine cellars in Vracov and in the skansen of Strážnice. Unique are the burgers’ wine cellars in Uherské Hradiště – Mařatice forming a consistent street. The oldest of them come from the 18th century and the most famous cellar called “At the Press” is now a wine restaurant. Another curiosity is the mock Republic Kraví Hora (Mount Cow) with its own government, passports and currency that was founded “to protect the wine-makers’ interests” in the village of Bořetice. Many unique wine cellars are now ready for the tourists. In Valtice, you can visit the unique exposition of the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic in the National Wine Center in the chateau, see the Chateau Cellar from 1430 or one of the largest cross cellars in the world with the capacity of 1 million liters. The Templars’ Cellars in Čejkovice are just as interesting. They date back to the 13th century and were founded by the Templar Knights. The 650 m long cellars are still one of the important wine producers. You should also visit the chateau cellars in Milotice, Strážnice, Buchlovice or Kyjov. Something quite unique about Slovácko is the “vineyard tree” – the service tree that has always been planted in vineyards. You can see these massive and old trees especially in the areas of Strážnice, Buchlov and Hodonín. In the past, the juice of their fruit was used to purify wine and their wood for the construction of wine presses, while now the service tree fruit brandy is probably more appreciated. WINE-MAKING EXPOSITIONS HUSTOPEČE Stálá vinařská expozice, Městské muzeum a galerie (Permanent wine-making exposition, Municipal Museum and Gallery), Dukelské nám. 23, 693 01 Hustopeče, www.hustopece-city.cz KYJOV Stálá vinařská expozice, Vinný sklep U Petra (Permanent wine-making exposition, Wine cellar U Petra), 697 01 Kyjov, www.kyjovsko.cz MIKULOV Regionální muzeum v Mikulově (Regional Museum in Mikulov), Zámek 1, 692 01 Mikulov, www.rmm.cz STRÁŽNICE Muzeum vesnice jihovýchodní Moravy (Museum of the Southeastern Moravian Village), National Institute of Folklore Culture, Zámek 672, 696 62 Strážnice, www.nulk.cz UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ Slovácké muzeum v Uherském Hradišti (The Museum of Slovácko in Uherské Hradiště), Smetanovy sady 179, 686 01 Uherské Hradiště, www.slovackemuzeum.cz VALTICE Národní vinařské centrum s degustační expozicí Salonu vín České republiky (National Wine Center with the Tasting Exposition of the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic), Zámek l, 691 42 Valtice, www.vinarskecentrum.cz, www.salonvin.cz Národní zemědělské muzeum (National Museum of Agriculture), nám. Svobody 8, 691 42 Valtice, www.nzmvaltice.wz.cz WINE-MAKING EVENTS Hundreds of wine-making events that take place in Slovácko all year round show how deep the viticulture has entered the hears of the local people. In most villages in Slovácko, the traditions of wine-picking festival, a celebration of wine and good harvest, are still alive. The most popular wine picking festivals are held in Mikulov, Bzenec, Strážnice and the Slovácko Festival of Wine and Open Monuments in Uherské Hradiště (for details visit www.slavnostivinauh.cz). The “Closing of the Mount”, an ancient wine-making ceremony of closing the vineyard during the period of ripening grapes before harvest, can be seen in Prušánky or Strážnice. The wines of Slovácko are regularly evaluated and compared at exhibitions and fairs. You can recognize the quality of the excellent wines of the local wine-makers at the renowned wine fair in Valtice and at various other exhibitions and wine tastings held in almost every village. Slovácko is the right place where you can learn to tell the sparkle, colour, bouquet and taste of the wine. In the local wine banks you can choose according to your liking, you can learn something new about wine and winemaking. While shopping for wine, you will be kindly advised by experts while another reliable clue is the fact whether that particular wine is included in the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic in Valtice with the 100 best wines from the country. There are thousands of wine cellars spread around the whole of Slovácko. If you ask an owner for a short tour, you will surely not be turned down. Up-to-date overview of all wine-making events is available at www.slovacko.cz or www.wineofczechrepublic.cz. RECOMMENDED ROUTES AND PROGRAMS Below are some ideas of routes and programs focusing on wine-making for your stay in Slovácko. If not stated otherwise, more detailed information is available at Avedon, the destination agency for the region of Slovácko (the phone number +420 519 512 797 or at the e-mail: [email protected]). 18 The Land of Wine GREAT JOURNEY FOR THE WINE OF SLOVÁCKO A unique opportunity to learn about wines and vineries from the whole of Slovácko. For organized groups are prepared many wine tastings and excursions to vineyards and vineries. Day 1: Hustopeče area – Hustopeče (Permanent wine-making exposition in the Renaissance house U Synků, tour of the town, accommodation) Strachotín Pouzdřany Ivaň Hustopeče Day 2: The Pálava Hills – Hustopeče Dolní Věstonice Horní Věstonice Dolní Dunajovice Perná Klentnice Milovice Hustopeče Day 3: Mikulov area – Hustopeče Pavlov (Baroque wine cellars) Mikulov Sedlec Valtice (Wine Salon of the Czech Republic, chateau) Hustopeče Day 4: Velké Pavlovice and Podluží areas – Hustopeče Velké Pavlovice Velké Bílovice Prušánky Dolní Bojanovice Hodonín (accommodation) Day 5: Mutěnice and Kyjov areas – Hodonín Mutěnice Čejkovice (Templar stronghold and historic wine cellars) Kyjov Svatobořice-Mistřín (wine-making village with many wine cellars) Dubňany Hodonín Day 6: Strážnice area – Hodonín Bzenec Blatnice pod Svatým Antonínkem (Roháče vine mount, wine cellars Pod Starou Horou) Strážnice (chateau wine cellars) Sudoměřice Petrov-Plže (historic wine cellars) Hodonín CYCLING THROUGH THE LAND OF ANDRÉ One of the most diverse wine-making routes with many beautiful corners, unrepeatable views of the fruitful country and interesting encounters with wine. The length of the route (Hustopeče – Vrbice): 19 km Route: Hustopeče (House U Synků, almond tree orchard, town hall) Starovičky (WWII tank battle memorial) Velké Pavlovice (Granary) Bořetice (Zázmoníky nature reserve, lookout tower, The Free Republic of Kraví Hora) Vrbice (wine cellars below the Stráž hill). From Vrbice, you can go on to Čejkovice (Templar stronghold and historic wine cellars) or Kobylí (municipal museum) Klobouky u Brna (museum, windmill) CYCLING FOR THE WINES OF UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ The circuit will take you to the land of Uherské Hradiště-Mařatice – Burghers’ Wine Cellars vineyards and wine cellars in the Uherské Hradiště part of the Slovácko Wine Subregion. You will see the former burgers’ wine cellars in Mařatice, the historic cellars in Vlčnov or Veletiny, to the local museum Na mlýně (At the Mill) in Dolní Němčí, to the ancient Šarovec Stronghold and folklore monuments in Hluk, to the Moravian Wine Valley in the chateau in Uherský Ostroh and also to the beautiful nature around the Morava river near Nedakonice and Kostelany with the interesting fishing museum. The lenght of the route: 61 km Route: Uherské Hradiště (town historic reserve) Uherské Hradiště-Mařatice (wine cellar alley) Mistřice Hradčovice Veletiny (wine cellars) Vlčnov (wine cellars, folklore architecture) Dolní Němčí (Museum At the Mill) Hluk (stronghold, monuments of folklore architecture) Ostrožská Lhota Uherský Ostroh (chateau, wine bank) Nedakonice (Kolébky nature reserve) Kostelany nad Moravou (fishing museum, Pool natural monument, portal bridge across the Morava) Uherské Hradiště CYCLING THROUGH THE VINEYARDS OF STRÁŽNICE Extended circuit on the instructional trail will take you to Strážnice (museum, skansen), Petrov (visit to the area of 60 historic wine cellars, wine bank) and Sudoměřice (wine bank, complex of painted cellars), then to the Žerotín Hill with a sample vineyard with different species, to Radějov (Rosarium Roseta) and then along the Service Tree Trail to the Travičná sheep pen and lookout tower – to the Service Tree Museum in Tvarožná Lhota and then back to Strážnice (chateau wine cellars, accommodation). The lenght of the route: 22 km Route: Strážnice (skansen) Petrov-Plže (wine cellars) Sudoměřice Radějov (rosarium) Tvarožná Lhota (lookout tower, sheep pen) Strážnice BY BOAT TO WINE CELLAR Navigation for groups on the Baa Channel and through the crossing with the Morava river from the pier in Veselí nad Moravou to 19 the pier in Strážnice, with two lock chambers on the way, wine tasting a board and in the wine cellar in Strážnice (600 m walk from the pier). The wine tasting on the boat includes 4 samples. We can also arrange the wine tasting among barrels full of wine. The wine cellar is a part of a functioning vinery and has four venues available for seating; suitable for groups of 10 to 150 persons. Further information available at: CA Aquatour, Zámecká, 698 01 Veselí nad Moravou, tel.: +420 518 322 400, e-mail: [email protected], www.batakanal.cz WINE INSTRUCTIONAL TRAIL MIKULOV Theme instructional wine trail presents the history of the land below the Pálava Hills. You can walk, cycle or drive along the path that features 17 information boards. The length of the route: 20 km Route: Mikulov Bavory Perná Horní Věstonice Dolní Věstonice Pavlov Klentnice Further information available at: TIC Mikulov, Náměstí 1, 692 01 Mikulov, tel.: +420 519 510 855, e-mail: [email protected], www.mikulov.cz MORAVIAN WINE TRAILS Moravian wine trails from a compact network of marked cycling trails in the territory of all the historic wine-making regions of South Moravia. Each of the nine regions has its own wine trail, all of them are linked by the central Moravian Wine Trail from Znojmo to Uherské Hradiště. Bike riders and drivers are recommended to taste wine is such a manner not to get clash with traffic regulations. This in practice means to keep a long enough time interval between tasting and continuing in your trip. In the meantime, you can for example visit a historic monument or a natural locality or you can also plan your wine tasting at the end of that day’s route. Wine and Wine-Making UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ WINE TRAIL You will ride to the former burghers’ as well as historic wine cellar, you will discover the beauty of the costumes in a private folklore costume museum, will refresh yourselves in the cool water of the gravel lakes or with delicious wine. The length of the route: 51 km Route: Uherské Hradiště Uherské HradištěMařatice (former burghers’ wine cellars) Uherské Hradiště-Sady Popovice (private museum of costumes) Podolí Veletiny (historic wine cellars) Vlčnov (wine cellars, Cicúrek water spring) Dolní Němčí (Museum At the Mill) Hluk (stronghold) Ostrožská Lhota Ostrožská Nová Ves (gravel pit lakes) Kunovice (Air Museum) Uherské Hradiště MIKULOV WINE TRAIL You will see the beautiful nature of the Dunajovice Hills, the surface of Novomlýnské lakes, the whiteness of the rocks of the Pálava Hills, the floodplain forest along the Dyje river as well as the renowned Lednice-Valtice Area. The length of the route: 82 km Route: Mikulov (chateau, wine-making exposition) Březí Dobré Pole Nový Přerov (turn-off to the Stará Hora Wine Instructional Trail in Novosedly, or newly opened border crossing to Alt-Prerau in Austria) Brod nad Dyjí Pasohlávky (swimming) Ivaň Strachotín Dolní Věstonice (archeological exposition) Pavlov (Baroque wine cellars, municipal wine bank) Milovice Bulhary Lednice (chateau, park) Border Chateau Valtice (chateau, park, Wine Salon of the Czech Republic) Úvaly Sedlec Mikulov PODLUŽÍ WINE TRAIL A great circuit through the Southernmost, mainly flat wine-growing area will take to the floodplain forests, the heart of the whole of Podluží to the old Slavic stronghold Valy near Mikulčice and the pond system on the Kyjovka river. The length of the route: 113 km Route: Břeclav Pohansko (archeological exposition in the Classicist chateau) Lanžhot (the Southernmost village of Moravia) Kostice Tvrdonice Týnec Moravská Nová Ves Mikulčice (Slavic stronghold in Mikulčice) Hodonín (Masaryk Museum, microbrewery, Museum of Oil Extraction and Geology) Rohatec (pier) Vacenovice Ratíškovice (Museum in Railroad Car) Dubňany (Dubňanská Mount) Dolní Bojanovice (folklore and traditions) Starý Poddvorov (windmill) Nový Poddvorov Prušánky (Nechory wine cellar alley, the largest winemaking village of the Podluží area) Moravská Nová Ves Hrušky Břeclav Poštorná Břeclav KYJOV WINE TRAIL You will explore the area of Kyjov, the land of sun and wine, through the quiet highland landscape with the mosaic of fields, orchards and vineyards, the forest-covered foothills of the Chřiby and the Ždánice Forest. The length of the route: 90 km Route: Vlkoš Wooden Cross Žádovice Ježov (Hošálka natural monument) Moravany Kameňák Čeložnice Hrádek (Bohuslavice Slopes natural monument) Mill of Bukovany Ostrovánky Nechvalín Lovčice Brook and Jordánek Ždánice (Vrbas Museum) Archlebov Žarošice (Jewish cemetery) Uhřice Janův Dvůr Násedlovice Nenkovice Stavěšice Strážovice (Sportland Babylon) Sobůlky Kyjov BZENEC WINE TRAIL Through the land of the Bzenec Lime and the beautiful environment of the Kyjov Upland with the dominant of Bzenec – with the hills full of vineyards and the remains of St. Florian Chapel. The length of the route: 33 km Route: Ježov Žeravice (J. A. Komenský Memorial) Těmice Bzenec (Vineyard, winemaking and gardening center, wine bank) Domanín Syrovín Újezdec Vážany Polešovice (visit to the Wine Breeding Station, wine tasting) Nedakonice MUTĚNICE WINE TRAIL In the traces of the Templar knights to Čejkovice with its stronghold and the 650 m long Templar cellars, through the hilly countryside with vineyards that bear the popular aromatic wines. The length of the route: 61 km Route: Čejkovice (Templar cellars, visit to the wine bank, Čejkovice Wine Fair) Čejč Hovorany Šardice Mistřín Svatobořice Milotice (chateau, Šidleny wine cellars) Dubňany (Dubňanská Mount) Mutěnice (Mutěnice wine cellars) Čejč STRÁŽNICE WINE TRAIL From Strážnice to the Blatnice Stag, the popular mixture of Grüner Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc 20 and Riesling. The length of the route I: 59 km Route: Rohatec Sudoměřice (tipping plant, technical monument, Starý potok wine cellar complex) Petrov-Plže (wine cellar complex) Strážnice (Museum of the Southeastern Moravian Village) Radějov Tvarožná Lhota (Museum of the Service Tree) Kněždub (house of the Slovácko painter Joža Uprka) Hroznová Lhota (pottery workshop) Lipov Louka Blatnička Boršice Hluk Ostrožská Lhota The length of the route II: 49 km Route: Bzenec Strážnice (Museum of the Southeastern Moravian Village) Vnorovy Veselí nad Moravou (Renaissance chateau with English park) Uherský Ostroh Ostrožská Nová ves Ostrožská Lhota Blatnička Blatnice pod Sv. Antonínkem (Roháče wine mount, Pod Starou horou wine cellars) VELKÉ PAVLOVICE WINE TRAIL Through the area from Hustopeče and Klobouky to Podivín and Moravský Žižkov, for the Gewurztraminer of Hustopeče and red wines to Velké Pavlovice and Němčičky. The length of the route I: 55 km Route: Hustopeče (one of the important wine-making towns) Šakvice Zaječí Přítluky Rakvice Podivín Velké Bílovice (Belegrady wine cellars, wine tasting in an anabaptist cellar) Vrbice Kobylí Brumovice Krumvíř Bohumilice Borkovany Šitbořice Nikolčice Křepice Velké Němčice Uherčice Starovice Hustopeče The length of the route II: 96 km Route: Hustopeče Starovičky Velké Pavlovice Horní Bojanovice Němčičky Bořetice Vrbice Kobylí Brumovice Morkůvky Klobouky u Brna Krumvíř Terezín Culture and Museums SLOVÁCKO LIVES WITH CULTURE Mikulov – Regional Museum If you like interesting museums, galleries, concerts, festivals and performances, you will definitely not be bored in Slovácko. The local offer of culture is very diverse and you will certainly pick something to your liking. The focus of the local museums is very wide. You can learn in them about the lives and work of the famous sons of the region, such as J. A. Komenský – Comenius, the founder of Czechoslovakia and its first President T. G. Masaryk or the painter of Slovácko Joža Uprka. You can see for yourselves how the old Slavs lived, what life used to be like in the village of Slovácko, learn about popular customs, dressing; how oil is extracted in Slovácko, air planes are produced, vine is grown and processed, how the famous pottery is made in Tupesy or how the border was watched. There are many art galleries as well. You can admire works of art in small galleries spread around the region in large gallery institutions in Uherské Hradiště, Hodonín and Břeclav. But the greatest of all of them is Slovácko itself. On your walk through a Slovácko village or in the streets of a historic town, during your visit to a wine cellar or to some of the many cultural events you see small products of the local craftsmen, carved wine barrels, paintings around the windows and doors. Slovácko honors its traditions, but it is no skansen or museum. It is alive just like the outside world and it keeps changing. Interesting concerts are held here, festivals of classical as well as ethno and world music, film festivals and great theater shows. Come and you will see where the life with culture is heading in the 21st century. 21 Culture and Museums Přemysla Otakara II. 37, 688 12 Uherský Brod, www.mjakub.cz ŽERAVICE Památník J. A. Komenského (J. A. Komenský Memorial), 696 47 Žeravice 190 Uherský Brod – Museum of J. A. Komenský GREAT PERSONALITIES OF SLOVÁCKO JAN AMOS KOMENSKÝ (COMENIUS) The great Czech philosopher, theologist, writer thinker and founder of modern pedagogics was born in 1592 in the area of Uherský Brod (probably in Nivnice, Uherský Brod or Komňa) and spent his childhood years here. Between 1604 and 1605, Comenius studied in Strážnice and in 1616 he was ordained a preacher of a Czech Brethren congregation in Žeravice. As a protestant, he was forced to leave his homeland after the battle of the White Mountain and for many years he lived and worked in the Polish center of the Brethren Union in Lešno. He then spent the rest of his life in Amsterdam, where he died in 1670. Today, the museum in Uherský Brod is an international documentation center of Comenius studies and it houses the world’s largest exposition on his life and work entitled “Jan Amos Komenský to the Mankind”. The exposition of the museum in nearby Nivnice documents his life and features the precious Education library. On the site of the former Brethren congregation in Žeravice, a memorial to J. A. Komenský was established that commemorates his ordination and the activities of the Czech Brethren in the village. The Brethren education is presented in memorial in Strážnice. In Komňa, from where the family of Komenský allegedly came, you will find an exposition about the life of J. A. Komenský. KOMŇA Památník J. A. Komenského (J. A. Komenský Memorial), Komňa 33, 687 71 Bojkovice, www.komna.cz NIVNICE Nadační dům dr. Kachníka (Dr. Kachník Foundation House), nám. Míru 138, 687 51 Nivnice, www.nivnice.cz STRÁŽNICE Památník bratrského školství (Memorial of the Brethren Education), Bratrská ulice, 696 62 Strážnice UHERSKÝ BROD Muzeum J. A. Komenského (Museum of J. A. Komenský), TOMÁŠ GARRIGUE MASARYK Slovácko is the birth and childhood place of T. G. Masaryk, the professor, writer and humanist and the co-founder of Czechoslovakia in 1918. Tomáš Masaryk was born in 1850 in Hodonín where today you can visit his museum. The exposition documents in detail the different phases of his fruitful and unusual life, you can see many original items relating to his personality and illustrating the time of his life, accompanied by an audio-visual program. Another exposition dedicated to President Masaryk can be found in Čejkovice where his family moved in 1856. He spent six of his childhood years here and between 1864 and 1865 he worked here as a teaching assistant. The third place related to Masaryk’s secondary school studies is Hustopeče where he studied at the Piarist school in the years of 1861–63. His presence in the town is commemorated by the memorial plaque on the house in Dobrovského Street where he lived. President’s parents came back to Hustopeče at the end of their lives and are buried in the local cemetery. ČEJKOVICE Domek T. G. Masaryka – stálá expozice (T. G. Masaryk’s House – permanent exposition), 696 15 Čejkovice HODONÍN Masarykovo muzeum (Masaryk Museum), Zámecké nám. 9, 695 01 Hodonín, www.masaryk.info JOŽA UPRKA The painter and graphic designer Joža Uprka (1861–1940) made the folklore of Slovácko famous with his work using the motives of the environment of his home region. In his work, he captured the beauty of Slovácko costumes and the sparkling atmosphere of the local traditions and to a great extent he shaped the regional artistic life. For many years, he lived and worked in Hroznová Lhota in a house, built in 1904 according to the plans by the architect Dušan Jurkovič. Joža Uprka is buried in the cemetery in his native Kněždub. Visitors can see his work in the galleries of Hodonín and Uherské Hradiště. In Kněždub, you can also visit the native house of the Uprka brothers with the exposition dedi22 cated to the work of Joža and his brother Franta Úprka, the sculptor. HODONÍN Galerie výtvarného umění (Art Gallery), Úprkova 2, 695 01 Hodonín, http://ccsystem.cz/gvuhodonin KNĚŽDUB Rodný dům bratří Úprků (Úprka Brothers Native House), 696 64 Kněždub, www.knezdub.cz UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ Galerie Slováckého muzea (Slovácko Museum Art Gallery), Otakarova 103, 686 01 Uherské Hradiště, www.slovackemuzeum.cz Hodonín – Masaryk Museum MUSEUMS If you feel like going to a museum, you can choose from a wide offer. Ethnographic collections are featured namely in the museums in Strážnice, Kyjov, Veselí nad Moravu and Uherské Hradiště. A unique exposition documenting the traditions and life in Slovácko can be seen in the Museum of Southeastern Moravian Village in Strážnice. In the chateau of Strážnice, you can admire the unique collection of more than 400 music instruments. The traditional pottery from Tupesy is presented in the specialized museum in Tupesy. The Regional Museum in Mikulov has a throught exposition on the wine-making. You can learn about flower-, vegetable- and wine-growing and wine making in Valtice where parts of the expositions of the National Agricultural Museum are located. The expositions in Dolní Věstonice, Břeclav, Staré Město and Mikulčice focus on the extensive archaeological excavations and rare historic finds. You should not miss the Archaeological Skansen in Modrá where the life of the old Slavs is presented in an unusual and attractive form. All fans of technology and technical monuments will enjoy the Air Museum in Kunovice with 23 transport, sports and military Slovácko Lives with Culture Kunovice – Air Museum airplanes. You might also want to svisit the windmills in Kuželov, Starý Poddvorov or Klobouky u Brna, the tipping plant near Sudoměřice, the Museum of Oil Extraction and Geology in Hodonín or the Museum in Railroad Car in Ratíškovice. BOJKOVICE Muzeum Bojkovska, Zámek Nový Světlov (Museum of Bojkovice, Chateau of Nový Světlov), 687 71 Bojkovice, www.cz-museums.cz BŘECLAV Městské muzeum a galerie Břeclav (Municipal Museum and Gallery Břeclav), U Tržiště 10, 690 02 Břeclav, www.muzeum.breclav.org Slovanské Hradisko Pohansko (Slavic Stronghold), Zámek Pohansko, 690 02 Břeclav, www.muzeum.breclav.org BUCHLOVICE Muzeum Podhradí (Museum of Castle Village), náměstí Svobody 24, 687 08 Buchlovice, www.buchlovice.cz DIVÁKY Expozice bratří Mrštíků (Brothers Mrštík Exposition), Diváky 57, 691 71 Diváky, www.rmm.cz DOLNÍ VĚSTONICE Archeologická expozice (Archaeological Exposition), 691 02 Dolní Věstonice, www.rmm.cz DUBŇANY Stálá expozice o historii hornictví a sklářství v Dubňanech a na Hodonínsku (Permanent exposition on the history of mining and glass making in Dubňany and in the Hodonín area), Komenského 282, 696 03 Dubňany HODONÍN Muzeum naftového dobývání a geologie (Museum of Oil Extraction and Geology), Kasárenská 1022, 695 01 Hodonín, http://mng.webz.cz Masarykovo muzeum (Masaryk Museum), Zámecké nám. 9, 695 01 Hodonín, www.masaryk.info HUSTOPEČE Městské muzeum a galerie Hustopeče (Municipal Museum and Gallery), Dukelské nám. 23, 693 01 Hustopeče, www.hustopece-city.cz KLOBOUKY U BRNA Městské muzeum (Municipal Museum), Zámecká 8, 691 72 Klobouky u Brna, www.kloboukyubrna.cz Větrný mlýn (Windmill), 691 72 Klobouky u Brna, www.kloboukyubrna.cz KOBYLÍ Muzeum obce Kobylí (Municipal Museum of Kobylí), Osvobození 135, 691 10 Kobylí, www.kobyli.cz KOSTELANY NAD MORAVOU Expozice rybářství (Fishing Museum), Kostelany nad Moravou 255, 686 01 Uherské Hradiště 1 KUNOVICE Letecké muzeum Kunovice (Air Museum Kunovice), Letecká, 686 04 Kunovice, www.slovackemuzeum.cz KUŽELOV Větrný mlýn (Windmill), 696 73 Hrubá Vrbka, www.technicalmuseum.cz KYJOV Vlastivědné muzeum v Kyjově (Homeland Museum in Kyjov), Palackého 70, 697 01 Kyjov, www.masaryk.info MIKULČICE Slovanské hradiště v Mikulčicích (Slavic Stronghold in Mikulčice), Mikulčice – Valy, 696 19 Mikulčice, www.mikulcice-valy.info MIKULOV Regionální muzeum v Mikulově (Regional Museum in Mikulov), Zámek 1, 692 01 Mikulov, www.rmm.cz Židovská synagoga (Synagogue), Husova 11, 692 01 Mikulov, www.rmm.cz Dietrichsteinská hrobka (Dietrichstein Crypt), Náměstí, 692 01 Mikulov, www.mikulov.cz Expozice z historie kostela sv. Václava a kostnice (Exposition on the history of St. Wenceslas church and Ossuary), Kostelní nám. 2, 692 01 Mikulov, www.mikulov.info Exposition Verbo et exemplo, Kostelní nám. 2, 692 01 Mikulov, www.mikulov.info MODRÁ Archeoskanzen (Archaeological Skansen), 687 06 Velehrad, www.archeoskanzen.cz PASOHLÁVKY Archeologická výstava Římané na Mušově (Archaeological exposition The Romans in Mušov), ATC Merkur, 691 22 Pasohlávky, www.pasohlavky.cz POPOVICE Potomákovo muzeum krojů (Potomák’s Museum of Costumes), Popovice 39, 686 04 Kunovice 23 RATÍŠKOVICE Muzeum ve Vagónu (Museum in Railroad Car), U trati, 696 02 Ratíškovice, www.ratiskovka.com STARÉ MĚSTO Památník Velké Moravy (Memorial to Great Moravia), Jezuitská 1885, 686 02 Staré Město, www.slovackemuzeum.cz STARÝ PODDVOROV Větrný mlýn (Windmill), 696 16 Starý Poddvorov, www.poddvorov.cz/mlyn.htm STRÁŽNICE Muzeum vesnice jihovýchodní Moravy (Museum of the Southeastern Moravian Village), Národní ústav lidové kultury, Zámek 672, 696 62 Strážnice, www.nulk.cz Expozice hudebních nástrojů (Exposition of Musical Instruments), Národní ústav lidové kultury, Zámek 672, 696 62 Strážnice, www.nulk.cz Městské muzeum (Municipal Museum), nám. Svobody 486, 696 62 Strážnice, www.straznice-mesto.cz Muzeum mlynářství (Museum of Milling), 696 62 Strážnice, www.straznicko.cz SUDOMĚŘICE Výklopník – technická památka (Tipping Plant – technical monument), 696 66 Sudoměřice, www.vyklopnik.er.cz TUPESY Muzeum tupeské keramiky (Museum of Tupesy Pottery), Tupesy 118, 687 07 Tupesy, www.muzeumkeramiky.cz TVAROŽNÁ LHOTA Muzeum oskeruší (Museum of the Service Tree), Tvarožná Lhota 230, 696 62 Strážnice, www.straznicko.cz UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ Slovácké muzeum v Uherském Hradišti (The Museum of Slovácko in Uherské Hradiště), Smetanovy sady 179, 686 01 Uherské Hradiště, www.slovackemuzeum.cz UHERSKÝ BROD Muzeum J. A. Komenského (Museum of J. A. Komenský), Přemysla Otakara II. 37, 688 12 Uherský Brod, www.mjakub.cz VALTICE Národní zemědělské muzeum (National Agricultural Museum), nám. Svobody 8, 691 42 Valtice, www.nzmvaltice.wz.cz Městské muzeum (Municipal museum), nám. Svobody 4, 691 42 Valtice, www.radnice-valtice.cz Expozice ostrahy státních hranic (Exposition on the guarding of the border), Celňák 974, 691 42 Valtice VESELÍ NAD MORAVOU Městské muzeum ve Veselí nad Moravou (Municipal Museum in Veselí nad Moravou), Bartolomějské nám. 41, 698 01 Veselí nad Moravou, www.masaryk.info Culture and Museums GALLERIES Lovers of art will find many important works of historical as well contemporary art in the galleries in Slovácko. The works of dozens of artists are amazing witnesses to the times, trends as well as creative invention and courage. The galleries in Hodonín and Uherské Hradiště feature permanent expositions documenting to a great extent the work of the painters of Southeastern Moravia in the 20th century such as Joža Uprka, Stanislav Lolek, Jaroslav Dobrovolský and others. Apart from the permanent expositions, you can also visit temporary exhibitions of Czech and European art. Information on these exhibitions is available in information centers. There are also dozens of private sales galleries offering interesting pieces from Slovácko or the Harvest gallery in the chateau of Mikulov where you can admire the works created during the annual summer workshops. BŘECLAV Městské muzeum a galerie Břeclav (Municipal Museum and Gallery Břeclav), U Tržiště 10, 690 02 Břeclav, www.muzeum.breclav.org HODONÍN Galerie výtvarného umění (Art Gallery), Úprkova 2, 695 01 Hodonín, http://ccsystem.cz/gvuhodonin UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ Galerie Slováckého muzea (Slovácko Museum Art Gallery), Otakarova 103, 686 01 Uherské Hradiště, www.slovackemuzeum.cz CULTURAL AND SOCIAL EVENTS Popular cultural events with long traditions form an integral part of life in Slovácko. People live here with culture all year round and you have a unique opportunity to visit some of the many cultural events with their unrepeatable atmosphere, such as the Opening of the Baa Channel, or film events like the Summer Film School in Uherské Hradiště, the event entitled “It’s also your concern”, music festivals and contests such as the Golden Bugle, Concentus Moraviae, the Touches of Strážnice, Guitar Festival, the Festival of Music Instruments of Folklore Bands, the Nations of the Dyje Festival or the festivals like the Garlic Festival in the chateau in Buchlovice or St. Lawrence Festival. The Slovácko Theater is also one of the best theaters in the country. The detailed cultural calendar is part of the catalogue or can be found at www.slovacko.cz. T. G. Masaryk grew up. This will take you to Hodonín as well as to the Podluží and Kyjov areas. Apart from the museum expositions dedicated to President Masaryk, you can also visit old Slavic strongholds, wine cellars and the Baroque chateau in Milotice. Day 1: Hodonín (Masaryk Museum) navigate on the Morava river Hodonín (Museum of Oil Extraction and Geology) Mikulčice (Slavic stronghold) Day 2: Hodonín Břeclav (Slavic stronghold of Pohansko and Municipal Museum and Gallery Břeclav) Čejkovice (house of T. G. Masaryk, Templar stronghold and historic wine cellars) Dubňany (get together in wine cellar) Day 3: Hodonín Milotice (Baroque chateau with park) Kyjov (Homeland museum) Strážnice (Municipal Museum and Museum of Milling) Petrov-Plže (historic wine cellars) Hodonín WONDERING THROUGH THE COUNTRY OF J. A. KOMENSKÝ In three days, see the most interesting museums of Uherské Hradiště, Uherský Brod, the land of J. A. Komenský and Strážnice, the birthplace of the Slovácko artists – the Úprka brothers. Make your trip more interesting and go navigate on the Baa Channel. Day 1: Uherské Hradiště (the Museum of Slovácko, tour of the town, Gallery of the Museum of Slovácko) Staré Město (Memorial of Great Moravia) Tupesy (Museum of Tupesy Pottery) Modrá (archaeological skansen, lookout tower over Modrá) Uherské Hradiště Day 2: Uherské Hradiště Uherský Brod (J. A. Komenský Museum) Bojkovice (Museum of Bojkovice in the chateau of Nový Světlov) Komňa (Memorial of J. A. Komenský) Hluk (houses protected as monuments) Uherské Hradiště Day 3: Uherské Hradiště Kunovice (Air Museum of Slovácko) Kuželov (windmill) Kněždub (native house of the Úprka brothers) Tvarožná Lhota (Museum of the Service Tree, Travičná lookout tower, sheep pen) Strážnice (navigate on the Baa Channel with RECOMMENDED ROUTES AND PROGRAMS IN THE TRACES OF T. G. MASARYK Explore the beauties of the region where 24 program) Uherské Hradiště JOURNEY ON THE MUSEUMS AND EXPOSITIONS OF SLOVÁCKO Start your trip in Mikulov, the town with the unique wine-making exposition and the Giant Cask through Čejkovice with the monuments of the Templar order to the archaeological skansen in Modrá and the Baa Channel to the heart of Slovácko – Uherské Hradiště with the expositions and gallery of the Museum of Slovácko. Then go on to the wine cellars in Vlčnov and to Uherský Brod to see the world’s largest museum collection dedicated to J. A. Komenský. Day 1: Mikulov – arrival, accommodation, information, festive welcome dinner Day 2: Mikulov (tour of the historic town, Dietrichstein Crypt, chateau with the exposition of the Regional Museum, Jewish quarter with synagogue and Jewish cemetery, walk on the Stations of the Cross up the Holly Hill, dinner in wine restaurant) Day 3: Baroque chateau in Milotice Čejkovice (Templar stronghold and historic wine cellars), festive dinner in wine cellar with wine tasting Day 4: Čejkovice Modrá (archaeological skansen – Great Moravian stronghold) Uherské Hradiště (tour of the town, the Museum of Slovácko, Gallery of the Museum of Slovácko) navigation on the Baa Channel with program dinner with local specialties, get together in wine cellar with music program Day 5: Uherské Hradiště stronghold in Hluk Vlčnov (wine cellars) Uherský Brod (tour of the town, Museum of J. A. Komenský) Luhačovice (accommodation, dinner, cultural program – according to the up-to-date offer) Day 6: Luhačovice (tour of the town, the spa colonnade, mineral springs, Pozlovice water dam, dinner, evening promenade) Day 7: Departure Nature and Landscape TREASURES OF NATURE Service Trees above Strážnice What makes the nature and the landscape of Slovácko so unique that the part of Moravia has three territories protected by the UNESCO? What brought the White Carpathians and the Lower Morava the prestigious statues of a biosphere reserves, the same that was granted to for example the Yellowstone National Park? And why did the Lednice-Valtice Area become one of the world heritage sites, just like e.g. Versailles? The answer is obvious – it was our ancestors and their abilities to live harmonically with their environment that they loved, worked, beautified and sang about in many songs. They were herdsmen with their flocks, reapers with their scythes, that brought about the White Carpathians flower meadows with orchids, lilies, sword flags as well as the solitary stately oaks, limes and service trees, under whose treetops they found shades and shelter from bad weather. They were tenacious highlanders who with their sweat moistened the picturesque mosaic of little fields, meadows and orchards in Kopanice. They were wine-makers who planted the glowing hillsides of the Pálava Military Orchid with vineyards. And they were foresters, gardeners, founders of ponds, builders and aristocrats as well as peasants who step by step turned the moorlands around the Dyje river into the admired Garden of Europe – the Lednice-Valtice Area. There are, however, many more places in Slovácko that abound with natural beauty. Our restless ancestors left their traces all over the land. You will find vineyard in almost every village as well as plum, apple, apricot and other fruit orchards. For centuries, foresters kept planting beech, oak and pine woods from the Chřiby to the Morava and Dyje confluence. Many of these places are now protected as natural parks or small-scale natural reserves. The land of Slovácko always yielded its fruits to earnest farmers – for the joy of the tongue, eyes and soul. Living proofs of that are the hundred-years-old service trees, the tree of Slovácko and the largest fruit trees in Europe. Come and see that until today, nothing about it has changed. 25 Nature and Landscape Správa CHKO Bílé Karpaty (Administration of Protected Landscape Area of the White Carpathians), Nádražní 318, 763 26 Luhačovice, www.bilekarpaty.cz Vzdělávací a informační středisko Bílé Karpaty (Educational and Information Center of the White Carpathians), Bartolomějské nám. 47, 698 01 Veselí nad Moravou, www.bilekarpaty.cz/vis Pyramidal Orchid PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AREA OF THE WHITE CARPATHIANS The White Carpathians with the tallest peak of Velká Javořina (970 m) lie along the CzechSlovak border on the area of 715 km2. In 1996, this protected landscape area was included in the world-wide UNESCO network of biosphere reserves and its most valuable parts are proposed to be included in NATURA 2000, the European network of special protected areas. For the Southern part of the White Carpathians, large flowering orchid meadows with isolated shrubs are typical, similar to natural parks. The central and Eastern parts of the White Carpathians are characterized by small farmsteads with fields, meadows and pastures also called kopanice. Among the wild animals that prosper in the forests of the White Carpathians are lynxes or wild cats, game such as roes, deer and boar. The most valuebale parts of the White Carpathians are protected as national nature reserves. One of the oldest nature reserves in Moravia is the beech primaeval forest on the Northern foothills of Velká Javořina. The typical White Carpathian meadows are found in the national nature reserves of Porážky, Zahrady pod Hájem, Jazevčí or in the large meadow complex of Čertoryje with about 20 species of precious orchids, lilies, sword flags or gentians. The White Carpathians are nice to visit at any time of the year. In summer you can go on beautiful hikes, horse rides or go cycling on mountain bikes. There are many well marked tourist trails. You can have a rest by the water, too – at the Lučina near Tvarožná Lhota or in Ordějov by Bánov. If you like cross-country skiing, you will appreciate the ideal snow conditions on the White Carpathian ranges in winter. To go downhill skiing, you can visit several ski centers – Javořina, Mikulčin vrch, Lopeník, Javorník, Nezdenice, Strání or Radějov. INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 1 IT Bojkovická Town of Bojkovice, fruit-growing, orchid meadows, Carpathian beech woods, the Olšava river Bojkovice (train station) Pitín Hostětín Šanov springs of the Olšava longer, 24-km route goes on towards Kyjov Bojkovice, shorter, 16-km routes goes down the valley of the Olšava Pitín Bojkovice • 10 stops • suitable for walking and cycling Čertoryje National Nature Reserve 2 IT Javořinská Velká nad Veličkou, traditions of the Horňácko region, Velká Javořina reserve, Suchov Mills Velká nad Veličkou (train station) Javorník, turn-off to the short 5 km circuit Kubíkův vrch Nová Lhota, turn-off to the medium 16 km circuit longer, 23 km circuit goes on to Velká Javořina Suchov Mills Velká nad Veličkou • 14 stops • walking only 3 IT Květná Village of Strání, fauna and flora of Velká Javořina, woods and primaeval forests, game, the festivals of Javorina Květná (glass works) Nová Hora Mechnáčky the Svináry brook Kaštinka Květná (border) • Length 7 km • 9 stops • suitable for walking, cycling, cross-country skiing and horse riding 4 IT Lopeník Village of Lopeník, fauna and flora, geology, range of Velký Lopeník, forestry, folklore architecture Lopeník (municipal hall) the Solisko brook 26 Velká Javořina Malý Lopeník Lopeník • Length 7.5 km • 8 stops• suitable for walking and cycling 5 IT Moravské Kopanice History of Starý Hrozenkov, folklore costume of Žítková, Carpathian fauna and flora, folklore architecture of Kopanice basic route 12 km: Starý Hrozenkov (village square) Žítková, optional turn off to Lokov (+ 5 km) Žítkovský Hill clearings of Pitín turn-off to Hutě (+ 1 km) Starý Hrozenkov • 14 stops • suitable for walking and cycling 6 IT Around Hrozenkov History of Starý Hrozenkov, agriculture in Kopanice, fauna and flora, Žítková, Vyškovec Shorter 5 km route: Starý Hrozenkov (village square) Žítková Starý Hrozenkov longer 13 km route: Starý Hrozenkov (village square) Bedové Vyškovec Valmont cottage Starý Hrozenkov • 12 stops • suitable for walking and cycling on mountain bikes 7 Service Tree Trail Tvarožná Lhota, Museum of the Service Tree, Travičná sheep pen with arboretum, Travičná lookout tower, Žerotín Basic route 5 km: Tvarožná Lhota (Museum of the Service Tree) Travičná turn-off to the 3 km circuit Radějov Holý Hill Žerotín Radějov Tvarožná Lhota • suitable for walking and cycling 8 IT On the green through Hostětín Environmental projects in the village – fruit drying and cider house, root sewage treatment station, biomass heating plant Hostětín (village square) Hostětín • Length 1.5 km • 4 stops • suitable for walking and cycling 9 IT Šumárnická Villages of Horňácko and Dolňácko, cemetery in Kněždub, archeology, Carpathian flora nad fauna, wind energy Strážnice (train station) Žerotín Radějov Tvarožná Lhota Kněždub Šumárník Malá Vrbka Hrubá Vrbka Velká nad Veličkou • Length 18 km • 18 stops • suitable for walking and cycling Tr e a s u r e s o f N a t u r e Pálava Hills BIOSPHERE RESERVE OF THE LOWER MORAVA The Biosphere Reserve of the Lower Morava of the area of more than 300 km2 was founded in 2003 by the extension of the original biosphere reserve of the Pálava with the Lednice-Valtice Area and the floodplain forests at the confluence of the Morava and the Dyje. The contemporary reserve is a unique complex of the ecosystems of the limestone outlier of the Pálava, the unique Central European low floodplain on the lower reaches of the Kyjovka, Dyje and Morava rivers and the cultural landscape of the Lednice-Valtice Area. There are three bird reserves in the territory of the Biosphere Reserve of the Lower Morava: the Pálava Hills, The Lednice Fishponds and the Confluence-Tvrdonice and other 17 localities of European significance. Biosférická rezervace Dolní Morava, o. p. s. (Biosphere Reserve of the Lower Morava, o. p. s.), Národních hrdinů 23, 690 02 Břeclav, www.dolnimorava.org PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AREA OF THE PÁLAVA The Protected Landscape Area of the Pálava lies at the border with Austria and is an example of a harmonic landscape in the South of Moravia. The PLA of the area of only 83 km2 is a part of the Biosphere Reserve of the Lower Morava. The Pálava Hills is a bird area of the European system of NATURA 2000. Most of the most valuable reserves are located on the main range of the Pálava Hills formed by pure limestone. The tallest peak of the Pálava range is Děvín (550 m) with the medieval castle ruins of Děvičky. These ruins together with the ruins of the Sirotčí castle on the nearby Table Mount form the unmistakable panorama of the Pálava Hills. That, however, would not be complete with- Green lizard out the nearby hill of Turold with a cave with karstic decoration, the Holly Hill with the Stations of the Cross and the pilgrimage church. In all of the steppe reserves you can find the flowers of adonis or sword flags or the praying mantis. The PLA also includes a unique example of the Dyje floodplain – Oxbow Lake, inhabited by the True Beaver, among others, or the Salt marsh by the pond of Nesyt, one of the last localities of halophytic flora in the Czech lands. The Pálava and the area below it has ever been inhabited by the man, as manifested archeological finds of world significance such as the Venus of Věstonice. The Pálava Hills is a tourist destination for tourists from all over the country as well as from abroad from early spring to late autumn. In April, many come here to welcome the spring, other spend their summer holidays in the area hiking, cycling or swimming and the autumn is popular for its colors as well as for the fresh wine and the wine-picking festivals. Tourist information center staff or the PLA Pálava Administration in Mikulov will certainly help you choose the best routes and programs. Instructional Trails Děvín 27 Správa CHKO Pálava (Administration of the Protected Landscape Area of Pálava), Náměstí 32, 692 01 Mikulov, www.nature.cz Centrum ekologické výchovy Pálava (Center of Ecological Education Pálava), Náměstí 32, 692 01 Mikulov, www.cev.palava.cz INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 10 IT Děvín Flora and fauna of the Pálava Hills, castle of Děvičky, geological composition, game in the reserve, etc. Soutěska (access from Klentnice on red trail) Děvičky (access from Pavlov on green trail or from Dolní Věstonice on red) Martinka Děvín • 4 circuits, total length of 11 km • 18 stops • suitable for walking 11 IT Turold Geology, speleology, paleontology, environmental protection, geopark Mikulov (Turold quarry) geopark Mikulov • Length 300 m • 8+1 stops • suitable for walking Nature and Landscape Lednice Fishponds CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF THE LEDNICE-VALTICE AREA The cultural landscape of the Lednice-Valtice Area, called the Garden of Europe, is a unique work with natural and architectural beauty. It occupies the area of almost 200 km2 between Lednice, Valtice and Břeclav and it is considered the largest complex of composed landscape in Europe and probably in the world. The Liechtensteins – the former owners of the estate – managed with the help of foremost European architects, artists and gardeners to underline the natural beauty of the area with remarkable artifacts. From the end of the 18th century until the middle of the 19th century, this work of art in the form of a natural park was created with the dominant chateaus of Lednice and Valtice in 1992, the whole area was proclaimed a landscape monument area and in 1996, it was included in the UNESCO list of world heritage. In 2002, the Lednice-Valtice area also became part of the Biosphere Reserve of the Lower Morava. The Area is formed by a complex of fishponds, woods, romantic chateaus with parks and follies (small decorative park structures sensitively set in the landscape and today precious architectural monuments), linked with long alleys and through- views. The two central points are the chateaus in Lednice and Valtice with decorative gardens and parks. The overall impression of the Area is finished with a sensitive selection and location of exotic trees. Part of the area was traditionally exploited by agriculture and the local vineyards have great reputation. You can diversify your visit to the chateau of Lednice by a romantic navigation on the Dyje. The Area includes the national natural reserve Lednice Fishponds, an important ornitological locality and a Bird Area of NATURA 2000; you can walk in it on the instructional trail. Remarkable are also the remnants of the flooplain forests of the DyjeMorava floodplain in the Eastern part of the Area. The hard-wood floodplain landscape at the confluence of the Morava, Dyje and Kyjovka rivers is the last one of its kind in Europe. The Lednice-Valtice Area also has precious remains of the prehistoric and early medieval settlements of the landscape by humans. One of the most important archeological monuments in the Czech Republic is the unique locality of Pohansko, a testimony of the oldest Slavic settlement in South Moravia. INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 12 IT Lednice Fishponds Nature and history of the fishpond system and ornitological reserve Mill Pond (dam) Lednice • Length 15 km • 17 stops • suitable for walking and cycling THE DYJE FLOODPLAIN NATURAL PARK The Dyje Floodplain Natural Park lies to the North of Břeclav on the right bank of the Dyje in the Lednice-Valtice Area. It is formed by floodplain forests, meadows and pools. Except for many protected and rare plants and animals, you can see the rare cresses, efts, sawyer beetles or beavers. Stag Beetle INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 13 IT Floodplain Forest Nature of the floodplain forest, oxbow lakes Břeclav (behind the chateau, Boar Reserve) Jan’s Castle • Length 6.1 km • 15 stops • suitable for walking and cycling CHŘIBY NATURAL PARK The small mountain range of the Chřiby will surprise with the abundance of natural and landscape beauty, romantic forest corners and many interesting and memorable spots. Among the natural monuments is Budačina, a small group of sandstone rocks, Velká skála with a pseudo-karstic cave as well the Břestek rock, very poplar with rock-climbers. The natural formation of Pulpit with carved stairs is a popular lookout spot from where you can see the Cimburk castle ruins as well as the Koryčany lake. Another lookout tower is near the village of Modrá and on the top of the Chřiby’s tallest hill – Brdo. The dense and well-marked network of tourist trails will take you to the castle of Buchlov or to the remains of the Great Moravian St. Clement’s stronghold near Osvětimany. www.chriby.cz INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 14 IT Boří Nature of the foothills of the Chřiby, travertine cascade, history of the settlement of the area Divoky (village square) valley of the Divoky brook peak of Kamenec (397 m a. s. l.) Divoky • Length 4.6 km • 15 stops • suitable for walking 15 IT Fauna and flora of the Chřiby Nature of the Chřiby, Modrá lookout tower, cascade of ponds Velehrad (Convent Pond) Modrá Modrá Brook King’s Table • Length 5 km • 5 stops • suitable for walking and cycling 28 Pohansko Tr e a s u r e s o f N a t u r e 16 IT Understanding Life around the ponds, archeological skansen, replica of the old Slavic church Velehrad (Basilica) Convent Pond Modrá (archeological skansen) Díly • Length 1.5 km • accessible on wheelchairs, suitable for walking and cycling 17 IT Spáčilova Komínky sandstone rocks, old Slavic burial mounds Kostelany Halenkovice (Budačina) Bunč Komínky • Length 13.2 km • 5 stops • suitable for walking and cycling MIKULČICE FLOODPLAIN NATURAL PARK The natural park of Mikulčice Floodplain is an example of floodplain landscape of the river Morava. The dominant type of vegetation is floodplain forest composed of elm, ash, oak and hornbeam trees. In the rich undergrowth we can see wild garlic, corydalis, celadine, snowdrop and other species. The natural meanders of the river and the oxbow lakes and now cut off from the riverbed. PRAKŠICE HIGHLAND NATURAL PARK This natural formation lies between Uherské Hradiště and Uherský Brod on the right bank of the Olšava river. It is mostly composed of meadows, orchards, pastures and fields. The area is important especially due to the occurrence of many thermophilous species of animals. The nature reserves of Rovná Hora, Vrchové-Chrástě and the natural monument of Terasy-Vinohradské have rare species of butterflies. Here you can see common blues, coppers and old world and yellow swallowtails. Do not miss the beautiful view of the area from the lookout tower in Lhotka. INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 18 IT Hradčovice – Drslavice Natural points of interest, fauna and flora of the Prakšice Highland Natural Park Hradčovice (village square) Rovná hora Vrchové Drslavice • Length 5 km • 9 stops • suitable for walking Strážnice Morava River Valley Natural Park 19 IT Rochus Historic and natural points of interest of Uherské Hradiště and surroundings Uherské Hradiště-Mařatice Černá hora • Length 1 km • circuit with 7 stops • suitable for walking STRÁŽNICE MORAVA RIVER VALLEY NATURAL PARK The natural park occupies the area of the naturally meandring Morava river with remnants of oxbow lakes, wet meadows and fragments of annually flooded floodplain forest. Here you can see rookeries of storks and herons, colonies of sand martins with nests in the river flans sometimes up to 13 m tall, traces of active true beaver population and many other phenomena related to the undisturbed development of the floodplain landscape. The possibility of observing from a boat or a canoe makes it even more attractive. You can get on a boat in Veselí nad Moravou, in Strážnice or Hodonín. A 10 km long cycling trail crosses the natural park that starts at the Baa Channel pier in Petrov. INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 20 IT Blowing Sands Bzenec Bzenec-Přívoz Litner cabin Blowing Sands National Nature Monument meanders of the Morava • Length 4 km • 6 stops • suitable for walking 21 IT Dúbrava Natural points of interest of the Dúbrava forest complex Hodonín (ZOO) Hodonín • Length 2.5 km • circuit • suitable for walking ŽDÁNICE FOREST NATURAL PARK The whole territory is covered by contiguous forest with dominant hornbeam and beech vegetation. The forests are rich in various Common Frog Copulation 29 species of edible mushrooms. On the Southwestern edge slopes you can see pasqueflowers, adonises and sword flags. Very frequent are common buzzards, black woodpeckers, middle spotted woodpeckers and golden orioles. The Ždánice Forest Natural Park is an ideal place for walking and cycling. INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 22 IT Through the Ždánice Forest Ždánice, the Ždánice Forest Natural Park, natural points of interest, Jordánek water spring, oil and gas extraction Ždánice (bus station) Jordánek Lovčice • Length 13.5 km • 17 stops • suitable for walking and cycling EXPOSITIONS, LOOKOUT TOWERS... BOŘETICE Kraví Hora lookout tower A view of South Moravian wine-making villages from the height of 12 m BUCHLOVICE State Chateau of Buchlovice, chateau park Collection of fuchsias of all over the world from the chateau gardens, handicapped animals rescue station Státní zámek Buchlovice, 687 08 Buchlovice, www.zamek-buchlovice.cz Morava River Nature and Landscape BUKOVANY Bukovany Mill lookout tower A view of the Kyjov area from the height of 11 m HRADČOVICE Lhotka lookout tower A view of the Prakšice Highland and the White Carpathians from the height of 18 m KOSTELANY Brdo lookout tower A view of the Chřiby from the height of 24 m KYJOV Vlastivědné muzeum v Kyjově (Homeland Museum) Nature in the Kyjov Area – permanent exposition, Palackého 70, 697 22 Kyjov, www.masaryk.info LEDNICE Akvárium Malawi (Malawi Aquarium) Permanent exposition of marine flora and fauna Zámek 2, 691 44 Lednice, www.akvariummalawi.cz Lednice – Minaret Mikulov – Na Turoldu Cave TVAROŽNÁ LHOTA Muzeum oskeruší (Museum of the Service Tree), Interactive exposition dedicated to the tree of Slovácko – the service tree Tvarožná Lhota 230, 696 62 Strážnice, www.straznicko.cz Travičná sheep pen Excursion spot, arboretum of original trees and garden with herbs of the White Carpathians Travičná lookout tower Exposition of the nature and culture of the PLA White Carpathians, view from the height of 35 m www.tvarozna-lhota.cz UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ Na Rovnině lookout tower A view from the height of 24 of the Morava river valley VALTICE Národní zemědělské muzeum (National Agricultural Museum), Expositions on the development of flower-, vegetable- and fruitgrowing, nám. Svobody 8, 691 42 Valtice, www.nzmvaltice.wz.cz VÁŽANY Vážany lookout tower A view from the height of 10 m Minaret A view of the Lednice park from the heigh of 55 m MIKULOV Na Turoldu Cave Unique needle and ball stalactites U Lomu 54, 692 01 Mikulov Geopark Turold Geopark near the entrance to the cave presents 17 basic minerals including cuts MODRÁ Lookout tower A view of the Morava river valley from the height of 5 m 30 VELKÝ LOPENÍK Lookout tower at Velký Lopeník Lookout tower made from oak beams stands right on the Czech-Slovak border, view from the height of 22 m VESELÍ NAD MORAVOU Vzdělávací a informační středisko Bílé Karpaty (Educational and Information Center of the White Carpathians) Exposition “Nature of Southeastern Moravia”, information, booklets Bartolomějské nám. 47, 698 01 Veselí nad Moravou, www.bilekarpaty.cz/visEZKY Brdo Lookout Tower Tr e a s u r e s o f N a t u r e RECOMMENDED ROUTES AND PROGRAMS take a look from the lookout tower on the tallest hill of the Chřiby and drink from the miraculous water spring. The length of the route: 6.5 km Bunč (tourist and recreational center in the middle of the Northeastern range at the altitude of 480 m) Vylízaná skála (massive rock) Brdo (a peak of the Chřiby at 587 meters above sea level with the tallest Moravian stone lookout tower) Roštín Chapel (chapel with statue of Virgin Mary from 1907 with the nearby drinking water spring) Roštín Below are some ideas for routes through the nature of Slovácko. You can of course use the above mentioned instructional trails. During your visits to the protected area, please be quiet and walk only on the marked paths. THROUGH THE NATURE OF THE WHITE CARPATHIANS You will explore the Carpathian nature with broad-leaf forests and woods, orchid meadows, typical highland villages, orchards with original species of fruit and protected species of animals and plants. The length of route: 115 km Strážnice Radějov Travičná (lookout tower, sheep pen with arboretum) Lučina Čertoryje (meadow reserve) Hrubá Vrbka Velká nad Veličkou Zahrady pod Hájem (reserve) Jazevčí (reserve) Búrová (reserve) Porážky (reserve) Velká Javořina (primaeval forest) Strání Nová hora (reserve) Velký Lopeník (lookout tower) Starý Hrozenkov Žítková Bojkovice Luhačovice Valašské Klobouky CYCLING AROUND THE PÁLAVA HILLS This route will offer beautiful views of the Pálava Hills and the colouring of the wine-making villages below it. The length of the route: 25 km Mikulov Kočičí skála Klentnice Sirotčí Castle Pavlov (wine making village) Dolní Věstonice Nové Mlýny Water Works Horní Věstonice Perná Bavory Mikulov HIKE ON THE RANGE OF THE PÁLAVA HILLS Beautiful and far views will reward everyone who sets out on the hike on the Pálava range. You will explore the Pálava from inside as well – in the cave na Turoldu. The route combines walking and bus. Mikulov (Na Turoldu Cave) Kočičí skála Table Mount (reserve) Klentnice Sirotčí Castle Soutěska (reserve) Děvín (Southeastern slopes of the reserve) Dívčí hrady (view point) Pavlov (bus) Mikulov CYCLING AROUND THE PONDS OF LEDNICE You will see the realm of the waterfowl and many small romantic buildings spread around the Lednice-Valtice Area. The length of the route: 37 km Mikulov Sedlec Nesyt, the largest Moravian fishpond Border Chateau Hlohovec Pond Pond Chateau Three Graces Mill Pond Temple of Apollon Lednice (chateau greenhouse) Minaret Jan’s Castle Nejdek Bulhary Sedlec Mikulov CYCLING THROUGH THE CHŘIBY NATURAL PARK On this route, you will see the life of Old Slavs, visit the most famous pilgrimage site in Moravia as well as the giant sequoia. The length of the route: 46.5 km Uherské Hradiště Staré Město (Memorial of Great Moravia) Modrá (archeological skansen, lookout tower) King’s Table (archeological locality) Bunč Golden Water spring sheep pen Velehrad (basilica, lapidary) Chabaně (giant sequoia) Břestek (folklore architecture monuments) Buchlovice (chateau, wine bank) Zlechov Staré Město Uherské Hradiště WALKING FROM BUNČ TO ROŠTÍN You will see the heart of the Chřiby, you will 31 WALKING FROM STŘÍLKY TO KORYČANY You will explore the Northern part of the Chřiby, take a look from the Pulpit and visit two medieval castle ruins. The length of the route: 18 km Střílky (unique Baroque cemetery) castle of Střílky (13th century castle ruins) Sad Valley (valley of the Stupava river) Pulpit (view from the rock formation with carved stairs and two-armed iron cross) Kozel Cimburk (castle ruins open to the public) Koryčany CYCLING IN THE PRAKŠICE HIGHLAND You will explore the Prakšice Highland Natural Park east of Uherské Hradiště. The length of the route: 23 km Uherské Hradiště Uherské Hradiště-Mařatice (wine cellar area) Mistřice Hradčovice Veletiny (wine cellars) Podolí Popovice (museum of folklore costumes) Uherské Hradiště CYCLING FROM HODONÍN TO DUBŇANY See the beautiful countryside around Hodonín, the picturesque landscape of forests, wine and ponds. The length of the route: 20 km Hodonín ZOO Doubrava forest Forest Spring Ponds of Mutěnice Mutěnice wine cellars on the Dubňany Mount Jarohněvice pond Dubňany FROM HODONÍN TO MIKULČICE Explore the floodplain landscape of the Morava river, one of the last heron and stork colonies by the Morava and the site where once a center of te Great Moravian Empire used to stand. The length of the route: 14 km Hodonín chateau of Hodonín the Morava river (lock chamber) Skařiny Mikulčice-Valy (Slavic stronghold) Mikulčice Cycling RIDE AND LOOK AROUND Cycling in the Slovácko region is no fashion fad – it is an integral part of life. If you ever visited Uherské Hradiště, Hodonín, Veselí nad Moravou, Břeclav or some of the surrounding villages, you could see for yourselves that all the generations – from the smallest children to grandmothers – like cycling. Full bike stands in front of schools, shops or churches are a clear evidence of that. People cycle to school, to the vineyards, for fun or to pray. The recent cycling boom has brought a lot of new things to Slovácko. The charm of the local countryside and the quiet and safety of most roads is sought after by more and more people for whom cycling is a life style, relaxation, joy as well as a way of exploring new places. New trails have been built in the region connecting the villages and regions as well as the safe cycling trails in cities and towns. Several long distance cycling trails now run through the region, including the Moravian trail starting at Mikulovice on the Czech-Polish border through the mountains of Jeseníky and the valley of the Morava river to the Lednice-Valtice area. Three of the Czech Greenways also run through Slovácko – the Vienna – Prague trail crosses the southern part of the region. The blue branch of another one of them, the Cracow – Moravia – Vienna trail, links 32 the three centers of Slovácko – the towns of Uherské Hradiště, Hodonín and Břeclav. The third of the Greenways bears the poetic name of the Moravian Wine Trail. This dense network of regional cycling trails presents the different historical areas of wine growing in South Moravia. The quality of these cycling trails have been approved by several awards by the European Association of Greenways. Apart from the over-regional and regional cycling trails, the region of Slovácko is interwoven with a network of local cycling trails that will take you to experience all the aspects of the local natural and cultural heritage. The physically and technically least demanding trails leading through the valleys of the Morava and the Dyje rivers attract above all families with children as well as older people. More experienced bikers, who are not afraid of bad weather, long distances in tough terrains or steep ascents and wild runs, will appreciate the more demanding trails in the Chřiby, White Carpathians or around the Pálava Hills. Slovácko is the ideal region for those who like to enjoy moving together with exploring. It would be a waste of time to run through it with your gaze fixed on the road. There is so much to see – the landscape, towns and villages and the people who live here. So get on your bike and enjoy! Ride and Look Around Kozojídky near Strážnice RECOMMENDED ROUTES AND PROGRAMS CYCLISTS WELCOME During your rides around Slovakia, you will find handy the newly introduced certification system “Cyclists Welcome” marking accommodation and food catering facilities as well as excursions premises that are ready for your visit and where you can for example safely deposit your bike. www.cyklistevitani.cz EXPLORING THE HISTORY OF THE UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ AREA The trail leads through the Southeastern edge of the Chřiby hills and will take you to Staré Město or the famous town of Buchlovice with its chateau and the beautiful park. The length of the route: 40.5 km Route: Uherské Hradiště (The Museum of Slovácko, town historic reserve) Staré Město (the Monument of Great Moravia) Modrá (archaeological park, lookout tower) Velehrad (Basilica, lapidary) Břestek Buchlovice (chateau, park) Břestek Tupesy (Museum of Tupesy Pottery) Zlechov Velehrad Staré Město Uherské Hradiště TECHNICAL AND NATURAL MONUMENTS OF THE UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ AREA Get on your bike and explore the technical and natural monuments of the area around Uherské Hradiště. The route leads through the Kunovice forest, along the gravel lakes and to the spas of Ostrožská Nová Ves, the chateau in Uherský Ostroh and to Kunovice. The length of the route: 25 km Route: Uherské Hradiště (The Museum of Slovácko, town historic reserve) Kostelany nad Moravou (portal bridge, Pool of Kostelany) Ostrožská Nová Ves (Spa Wetland) Uherský Ostroh (chateau) Ostrožská Nová Ves Kunovice (Air Museum) Uherské Hradiště ON THE BIKE WITH KIDS ALONG THE BAŤA CHANNEL One of the best routes for easy and safe cycling along the brand new cycling trails is suitable also for the smallest riders! In Staré Město, you can prolong your route and visit the monuments of Modrá and Velehrad (+16 km). The length of the route: 35 km (51 km respectively) Route: Napajedla (stud farm, chateau park) Spytihněv (Baa Channel) Babice Staré Město (Monument of Great Moravia) – you can deviate to Modrá (archaeological park, lookout tower) and Velehrad (basilica, lapidary) Uherské Hradiště (town historic reserve) Kunovice (Air Museum) Ostrožská Nová Ves (cymbalo workshop, lakes) Uherský Ostroh (chateau, wine bank) Veselí nad Moravou (historic reserve, chateau, museum historic hydro power station) GREAT MORAVIAN PILGRIMAGE ROUTE The route links most of the villages of the Buchlov area and from it, you can set off to go to the most significant tourist destinations in the Southern and central part of the Chřiby Hills. The length of the route: 59 km Route: Staré Město (Monument of Great Moravia) Velehrad (basilica, lapidary) Buchlovice (chateau, park, wine bank) Holý kopec (nature reserve) Stupava Cimburk (castle ruins) Kozel (natural monument) Vřesovice Osvětimany Vlčák (ranch) Na Pile Dlouhá řeka Buchlovice-Smraavka (camping site, spas) Buchlovice Zlechov Staré Město GREAT CIRCUIT THROUGH THE WHITE CARPATHIANS The White Carpathians Circuit presents the Luhačovice and Uherský Brod areas of the mountains in the Moravian – Slovak borderland. The White Carpathians is an UNESCO protected biosphere reserve. You can also follow this track in two days. The length of the route: 111 km Route: Uherské Hradiště (The Museum of Slovácko, town historic reserve) Kněžpole Topolná (monuments of folklore architecture) Březolupy Zlámanec (folklore architecture) Želechovice Clearings Natural Park Závrší Slavický kopec Starý Světlov (castle ruins) Řetechov Luhačovice (historic reserve, spas) Rudimov Bojkovice (museum, chateau) Nezdenice Šumice Uherský Brod (historic reserve, Museum of J. A. Komenský) Hradčovice Uherské Hradiště (Rovnina 33 lookout tower, wine cellars in Mařatice) MEDIUM CIRCUIT THROUGH THE WHITE CARPATHIANS On this route, you will explore the monuments of the Uherský Brod area, the monuments of folklore architecture and the unique nature of the White Carpathians mountains. The length of the route: 60.5 km Route: Uherský Brod Újezdec Šumice Bojkovice (chateau) Komňa Troják Lopeník Březová Suchá Loz Bánov Nezdenice Šumice Újezdec Uherský Brod (historic reserve, Museum of J. A. Komenský) THROUGH THE FOOTHILLS OF THE WHITE CARPATHIANS The track through the foothills of the White Carpathians focuses on wine making, nature and folklore architecture of the region of Strážnice and Horňácko. The length of the route: 26.5 km Route: Sudoměřice (tipping plant – technical monument) Petrov-Plže (historic wine cellars) Strážnice (chateau, historic reserve, open air museum) Žerotín Radějov Travičná (lookout tower) Lučina Šumárník Čertoryje (nature reserve) the hill Výzkum Malá Vrbka Hrubá Vrbka (barns and granaries protected as monuments) Velká nad Veličkou Information about Moravian Wine Trails can be found at www.stezky.cz Cycling Bike riders by The Baa Channel ALONG THE BAŤA CHANNEL Set off downstream along the lakes of Ostrožská Nová Ves, stop in Uherský Ostroh to visit the chateau and its wine bank and then on to Veselí nad Moravou and return via Strážnice, Bzenec with its chateau, Napajedla and Topolná. The length of the route: 96 km Route: Uherské Hradiště (town historic reserve) Kunovice (Air Museum) Ostrožská Nová Ves (cymbalo workshop, lakes) Uherský Ostroh (chateau, wine bank) Veselí nad Moravou (historic reserve, chateau, museum, historic hydro power station) Vnorovy (The Baa Channel) Strážnice (chateau, historic reserve, open air museum – skansen) Bzenec (chateau, Jewish quarter) Moravský Písek Nedakonice (Kolébky nature reserve) Kostelany nad Moravou (fishing museum, pool) Uherské Hradiště Staré Město Babice Spytihněv (The Baa Channel) Napajedla (stud farm, chateau park) Topolná (monuments of folklore architecture) Kněžpole Uherské Hradiště THE HODONÍN CIRCUIT This track will show you the best of the town of Hodonín and its surroundings. e. g. tipping plant, an interesting technical monument near Sudoměřice, the Plže historic wine cellars near Petrov, the Strážnice Open Air Museum (skansen), a unique Museum in Railroad Car in Ratíškovice or the Baroque chateau in Milotice. The length of the route: 61 km Route: Hodonín (Masaryk Museum, Museum of Oil Extraction and Geology, ZOO, spas, microbrewery) Rohatec (the Baa Channel pier, wine cellars, fish pond) Sudoměřice (tipping plant – technical monument, lookout tower, pier) PetrovPlže (historic wine cellars) Strážnice (Museum of the Village of South East Moravia, the Baa Channel, chateau) Blowing sands (national natural monument, Žilka’s oak tree) Ratíškovice (Ratíškovice railroad – Museum in Railroad Car, rail cycle rides) Milotice (chateau, French garden, wine bank) Šidleny (wine cellars ) Dubňany (fish pond cascade on the Kyjovka river) Kohútek (forest spring of drinking water) Hodonín FROM BZENEC TO NESOVICE Ride your bike from Bzenec across the land of wine to the foothills of the Chřiby Hills to the romantic ruins of the Cimburk castle, along the Koryčany lake to Nesovice. The length of the route: 57 km Route: Bzenec (chateau in the Tudor Gothic style, Baroque garden and English park) Vracov (wine cellars, The Museum of folklore and Costumes, Rašelina fish pond) Vlkoš (“Pod horú” wine cellars) Kyjov (Renaissance Town Hall, Museum) Žádovice Ježov (Ježov quarry) Osvětimany (St. Clement’s stronghold – national cultural monument) Vřesovice U Křížku Cimburk (castle ruins) Koryčany lake Koryčany (Jewish cemetery, chateau, horses) Mouchnice Nemotice Snovídky Nesovice (chateau of Nové Zámky) FROM BŘECLAV TO HODONÍN The route linking these two towns will take you to the region of Podluží, the Southernmost part of Slovácko, across the vast flood plain forests at the confluence of the Morava and Dyje rivers and to the spot where borders of three countries – Czech 34 Republic, Slovakia and Austria – meet. From there you will ride upstream the Morava river across the Slavic stronghold in Mikulčice to Hodonín. The length of the route: 68 km Route: Břeclav Pohansko (archaeological exposition in the chateau built in the Empire style) Lány (Empire hunting chateau – deviation off the route) Cahnov-Soutok (national natural reserve) Russian houses Ranšpurk (national natural reserve) towards the Lanžhot – Brodské border crossing along the Moravian cycling trail along the Morava river Mikulčice (MikulčiceValy archaeological exposition) Lužice Hodonín (Masaryk Museum, Museum of Oil Extraction and Geology, ZOO, spas, microbrewery) RIDING THROUGH THE GARDEN OF EUROPE This track is dedicated to the exploration of monuments and natural beauty of the Lednice-Valtice Area with options of taking detours in Valtice to ride along the Liechtenstein Trail that goes on to Austria. The length of the track: 39 km Route: Lednice (chateau, park) Jan’s Castle Ladná Alley Temple of Apollon New Farm St. Hubert Chapel Rendez-vous Valtice (chateau, park, Wine Salon of the Czech Republic) the Rajstna colonnade Úvaly Salt Marsh Nesyt Sedlec Nesyt the Border Chateau Temple of the Three Graces Middle Pond Mill Pond Lednice LIECHTENSTEIN TRAILS The border-crossing trail links the chateaus of the powerful aristocratic family of the Liechtensteins in the territory of South Moravia and Lower Austria. The length of the route: 98 km Route: Lednice (chateau, greenhouse, minaret) Border Chateau Valtice (Wine Salon of the Czech Republic, chateau, park) Rajstna colonnade Schrattenberg Herrnbaumgarten (“Nonseum” museum, wine cellar alley) Poysdorf (wine cellar alley, museums, wine bank) Coburg Chateau Wilfersdorf (“Liechtenstein” chateau) Prinzendorf an der Zaya Neusiedl and der Zaya (Museum of Oil Extraction) Altlichtenwarth (“Silberberg” wine cellar quarter, lookout watch tower) Reintal Břeclav Rendez-vous Hunting Chateau Jan’s Castle Lednice Active Holidays A PERFECT REST Baa Channel Slovácko is an ideal place for your active holidays. The local nature offers a lot – from interesting landscape for hiking, cycling and horse riding, sailing options, relaxation by the lakes, fishing and hunting to rock climbing. The diverse possibilities also include shooting ranges, fitness centers, bowling lanes, squash and tennis courts or even flying and parachuting. In winter, you can enjoy both cross-country and downhill skiing. You will find many other regions with similar opportunities, but there are not many other areas where you can navigate on a historic inland water channel, sail in a boat or houseboat on your own through lock chambers or along the quiet meanders of the river. Without any training, you can experience the feeling of freedom, so difficult to describe, during a tandem parachute jump, or flow silently in the air in a hot air balloon. You start on the skiing slope and you finish in a wine cellar. After you spend a day hiking, swimming, cycling or skiing, you can set off on other explorations – go see music, dine Stupava out, taste some wine in a cellar, or do all of these one after another. If you want to work on your waist line, you should probably avoid some of the local culinary specialties, but if you really want to relax, don’t be too strict on yourselves and compensate these experiences with sport. You can go to weight lifting or swimming at home as well, but ending your day with a glass of wine in a cellar – that you can’t do every single day. So just enjoy! 35 Active Holidays THE MAGIC RIVER THE BAŤA CHANNEL AND THE MORAVA RIVER The historic waterway of the Baa Channel with thirteen functional lock chambers is now navigable from Otrokovice to Rohatec and in the future, it will be extended to Kroměříž and Hodonín. The Baa Channel was originally designed for the transport of lignite from Ratíškovice to the power station in Otrokovice, is 50 km long, out of which 26 km lead through the riverbed of the Morava river, the rest through the artificial channel. Today it is used for recreational purposes and offers an unusual way of exploring Slovácko. From May to September, you can join one of the organized navigations on the channel accompanied with exploration and gastronomical programs, or you can rent a boat and make your own program. The possibility of hiring a houseboat and spending a few days on the river is also very popular. After a short practice and instruction about the steering of the boat, you can set off on your own journey of adventure. The whole waterway is also freely accessible for those with their own boats. You can learn about the lock chamber rules at any pier or boat rental or at the Baa Channel Information Center in Veselí nad Moravou. You will navigate through the romantic floodplain nature; you will learn about the wine of Slovácko, picturesque villages and ancient towns. You walk along the instructional trails and visit technical monuments – e.g. the unique waterway crossing with cable tow, or the tipping plant used for dumping railroad cars loads of coal onto cargo boats. You will reach the historic center of the town of Strážnice and the wine cellars in Petrov. We also recommend you visit the historic center of Uherské Hradiště on the Hradiště circuit. In Veselí nad Moravou, you will find a tourist center with anchorage, camping site and swimming pool. During your navigation you will appreciate the beauty of the natural flow of the Morava river – the meanders of Strážnice. You can combine your navigation with cycling trips to the White Carpathians and visits to protected nature reserves. You can use the services of motor boat rentals, tourist programs, canoes and bicycles. You will find these in Spytihněv, Staré Město, Uherské Hradiště, Veselí nad Moravou, Vnorovy, Strážnice, Sudoměřice and Hodonín. INSTRUCTIONAL TRAILS 1 IT Kunovice Forest Floodplain forest, flora and fauna Kunovice Kunovice • Length 4 km • 10 stops • suitable for walking Uherský Brod – Aquapark 2 IT Huštěnovice Floodplain of the Morava, flora and fauna of soft-wood floodplain Huštěnovice Huštěnovice • Length 0.6 km • 5 stops • walking only, accessible on bicycle and boat 3 IT Kostelany nad Moravou History of the village, exposition on fishing, historic bridge, Pool with amphibians Kostelany nad Moravou (Cultural House) Pool (natural monument) • Length 1.5 km • 4 stops • walking only, accessible on bicycle and boat 4 IT Včelíny Oxbow lake of the Morava, flora a fauna Vnorovy (lock chamber I) Pool • Length 0.1 km • 4 stops • walking only, accessible on bicycle and boat 5 The Baa Channel Instructional trail Monuments on the water way between Veselí nad Moravou and Hodonín Veselí nad Moravou Hodonín • Length 28 km • 20 stops • walking only, accessible on bicycle and boat THE DYJE RIVER AND THE LAKE OF MUŠOV You can experience the romantic side of your journey also on the other major river of Slovácko – the Dyje. You can navigate through the landscape from Břeclav to the romantic Jan’s Castle in the Lednice chateau park, to see the silhouette of the Pálava Hills from the surface of the Mušov lake or set out on a trip from Břeclav to the Pohansko archeological locality. In the chateau park of Lednice you can navigate on both branches of the Dyje river from the chateau to the Minaret to Jan’s Castle. You will appreciate both beautiful nature and remarkable historic monuments. FURTHER INFORMATION THE BAŤA CHANNEL AND THE MORAVA RIVER Pier Spytihněv, Na Rejdě, 763 64 Spytihněv, www.pujcovnalodi.cz Pier and Boat Rental Staré Město, Na Zerzavici, 686 02 Staré Město, www.lode-hausboty.cz 36 Pier Veselí nad Moravou and Information Center, Zámecká 2, „U Baáku“, 698 01 Veselí nad Moravou, www.batacanal.cz Lock chamber Vnorovy I, U Splavu I, 696 61 Vnorovy, www.batuvkanal.cz Pier Strážnice, Rybářská 1228, 696 62 Strážnice, www.batuvkanal.net Sudoměřice – Tipping plant, 696 66 Sudoměřice, www.vyklopnik.er.cz Pier U jezu, ul. Legionářů, 695 01 Hodonín, www.pristavujezu.cz THE DYJE AND THE MUŠOV LAKE Lodní doprava Břeclav (Water transport Břeclav), Haškova 2706, 690 02 Břeclav, www.lodnidoprava.com 1. Plavební s. r. o. (Water transport), 21. dubna 3, 691 44 Lednice, www.1plavebni.cz RECREATION BY THE WATER Those who love swimming, sunbathing and relaxing by the water will enjoy the lakes in Ostrožská Nová Ves or the artificial lakes in Buchlovice-Smraavka, Lučina above Tvarožná Lhota, Mýnky near Strážnice, Osvětimany or Nové Mlýny. These lakes set in attractive environments offer remarkable experience and will certainly comply with your demands of a nice holiday diversified with rides on treadles, boats, surfboards or yachts. You can stay at the local pensions or camping sites. If you feel too hot on your wanders in Slovácko, you will for sure appreciate a swim in modern swimming pools equipped with many services, e.g. in Uherské Hradiště, Uherský Brod, Hluk, Vlčnov, Strážnice, Hodonín, Kyjov, Ratíškovice, Koryčany, Lipov and many other towns and villages. Do not despair if the weather is not too good – you can enjoy the services of indoor swimming pools and aquaparks in Hustopeče or Uherský Brod. Holiday by the water means relaxation. In Slovácko, you can also explore natural and cultural monuments or take part in some of the many cultural events. The offer is really rich. Ostrožská Nová Ves A Pe r f e c t R e s t flora to the protected natural reserves of the White Carpathians, Morava Valley and Chřiby. On these excursions, you can take amazing pictures of bee orchids, butterfly orchids, helleborines, the rare Carpathian blue slugs, mantises, admire stonechats, bitterns or encounter beavers, kingfishers or sandpipers. Fishermen near Velehrad ACTIVE HOLIDAYS FLYING If you want to experience something really exceptional, go to Kunovice, Kyjov or Břeclav. The local air clubs offer sightseeing flights in motor planes as well as gliders. In Kunovice you can attend a special flying and parachuting school and experience a tandem jump from the altitude of 4000 meters with an instructor on a special two-person parachute or visit the Kunovice air museum. BALLOON FLYING New attractions in Kunovice include sightseeing flights in hot air balloons for pairs and larger groups. Would you like to touch tree tops, see the landscape from above, watch wildlife and the towns and villages of Slovácko? Or are you thinking of an unusual and exclusive gift? Don’t hesitate and fly! You can take seven of your friends and get in the largest passenger balloon in the Czech Republic. www.balony.eu FISHING Thanks to favourable natural and climatic conditions, the fishing districts in Slovácko belong to the richest in the Czech Republic. Large water bodies with clean water in Ostrožská Nová Ves, Ordějov, Nové Mlýny and many other districts (on the Morava, especially on its dead branches, on the Dyje and other rivers, lakes and ponds in Hluk, Topolná, Modrá, Starý Hrozenkov, Smraavka, Nedachlebice, Pavlov, Dolní Věstonice, Sedlec or Strachotín) are very good for carps, grass carps, catfish, trouts and other fishes. MUSHROOM PICKING The White Carpathians, the Chřiby Hills as well as the oak forests of Bzenec or near the Dyje river are full of mushrooms from July to October due to the natural growths of mixed forests with prevailing broad leaf trees. The White Carpathians is the richest mushroom locality in the whole of Central Europe. Come and try your luck! HORSE RIDING Go horse riding on forest paths or in the fields, see the stables or ride in the riding hall – you can do all this at more than thirty horse farms around the whole of Slovácko, for example in Rohatec, Kyjov, Koryčany, Hodonín, Lednice, Buchlovice or Uherské Hradiště-Mařatice. In Mikulov you can, to- ROCK CLIMBING The rocks of the Chřiby Hills have ideal conditions for rock climbing. The Čertovky group of sandstone rocks with four rock formations has 15 rock climbing routes, Skály pod Barborkou has 12 major rock blocks with 47 routes and the popular Čertova sklála (Devil’s Rock) has 21 of them. Balloon Flying SHOOTING Shooting practice is one of the new and attractive pastimes. At the shooting ranges in Hodonín, Mikulov, Uherský Ostroh and Strážnice, you can be instructed by an expert and try how firm your hand is. You can hire guns, air guns as well as small-bore rifles. In Hodonín and Strážnice they also have bows and crossbows. HUNTING Hunters will enjoy the forest parts of the White Carpathians, the Chřiby Hills and the Ždánice Forest. Practically all of the local hunting ranges have deers, roes and boars, especially the hunting grounds of Buchlovice, Horňácko and Pomoraví. The game preserves of Klentnice, Sutok, Bulhary and Radějov have fallow deers. For ground hunting, the best places to go are Dúbrava and Pomoraví, for pheasants in the pheasantries in Jarohněvice and Vnorovy. Hunters can use several stylishly furnished hunting cabins. NATURE EXCURSIONS The information centers in Veselí and Strážnice offer their services to all those who prefer to hunt with their cameras. You can set out to explore the fauna and 37 gether with regular horse rides, try hiporehabilitation that helps inhibit some uncomfortable pains. At the ranches in Buchlovice or Uherčice you can also go riding in the Western style and you can visit the unique English thoroughbred horse farm in Napajedla. A horse riding path is being prepared that will link all the horse stations in Slovácko. SPORTS CENTERS Sports facilities and well equipped sports centers are now part of attractive life style and there are enough opportunities for that in Slovácko. In Uherské Hradiště, Staré Město, Uherský Brod, Kunovice, Uherský Ostroh, Ostrožská Lhota, Strážnice, Hodonín or Břeclav you can make the best use of bowling lanes, squash centers, tennis courts and many other facilities. In Sportland Babylon in Strážovice, you can go for a ride on the mini roller coaster, motor quadricycles and minibikes. Children will have fun in the playground and all together you will enjoy your lunch or dinner in the stylish Moravian restaurant. Up-to-date information on sporting options in Slovácko is available from the staff of the Tourist Information Centers. Active Holidays Lopeník – Ski lift 1 lift, length of the slope 150 m, artificial lighting, artificial snow www.lopenik.cz OTHER LOCATIONS Němčičky – Ski center 1 lift, artificial surface, artificial lighting, artificial snow www.sportnemcicky.cz Mikulčin vrch – Ski center 4 lifts, length of the slope 1100 m, conditioned cross country tracks 3–10 km www.mikulcinvrch.net Javorník – Filipov Skipark WINTER CENTERS All who like winter sports as well as those who just like the magic of a snow covered landscape will enjoy winters in Slovácko. Clear air as well as enchanting views of the Chřiby Hills, the White Carpathians of the Ždánice Forest with the snow cover will refresh every visitor. The local ski resorts have ideal conditions for downhill skiing and snowboarding and there are also good terrains for cross country. The unique ski center in Němčičky has the lowest situated skiing slope in Central Europe – at the mere 180 meters above the sea level. Quality and comfortable accommodation is available in recreational resorts, hotels, pensions and in private. Everyone can choose according to their taste and resources. The offer of restaurants is also diverse – the stylish restaurants and wine rooms offer good meals as well as cosy venues for a glas of wine or the famous plum brandy. WHITE CARPATHIANS Radějov – Štěpničky Ski lift 2 lifts, length of the slope 450 m, artificial lighting, artificial snow, cross country tracks www.sjezdovkaradejov.cz Nezdenice – Ski center 1 lift, length of the slope 220 m, artificial lighting, artificial snow www.slovacko.cz Strání – Ski center in Štrbáň 1 lift, length of the slope 530 m, artificial lighting www.strban.ic.cz CHŘIBY Břestek – Mendl Ski Center 2 lifts, length of the slope 450 m, artificial lighting, artificial snow www.brestek.cz Osvětimany – Ski park Osvětimany 2 lifts, tow cable for children, length of the slope 400 m, artificial lighting, artificial snow www.skiosvetimany.cz Stupava – Ski park Stupava 2 lifts, children’s lift, length of the slope 350 m, artificial lighting, artificial snow www.stupava.cz ŽDÁNICE FOREST Uhřice – Ski center 1 lift, length of the slope 240 m, artificial lighting, artificial snow www.sportturist.net Javorník – Skipark Filipov 3 lifts, children’s lift, length of the slope 530 m, artificial lighting, artificial snow www. skifilipov. info 38 RECOMMENDED PROGRAM Below are presented some ideas for interesting programs during your stay in Slovácko. If not stated otherwise, further information is available from Avedon, the destination agency for the region of Slovácko (the phone number +420 519 512 797 or e-mail: [email protected]). NAVIGATING FROM SPYTIHNĚV TO UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ AND BACK One of the popular navigating options is the circuit from Spytihněv to Uherské Hradiště and back. In the first part, you will go down the stream of the Morava river to Uherské Hradiště. From there you will come back on the navigation channel with four lock chambers. The trip is planned for half or whole day. Further information available at: Půjčovna lodí Na Rejdě (Boat rental), 763 64 Spytihněv, tel.: +420 603 802 691, e-mail: [email protected], www.pujcovnalodi.cz A Pe r f e c t R e s t PICNIC ON HOUSEBOAT One-day rental and navigation on the Baa Channel and the Morava river from Veselí nad Moravou via Strážnice to Petrov with views of historic towns and villages and tastings of local specialties. Recommended duration of the program is 9 hours (9 AM – 6 PM); it is suitable for groups of up to 12 persons (only 11 with a guide). Boarding at 9 AM at the pier in Veselí, instruction on boat use and hand-over of boat, navigation on the Morava rive, tour of the channel crossing and the instructional trail, tour of Strážnice with lunch, navigation to Petrov and back to Veselí. Alternatively, you can go to Uherské Hradiště. Further information available at: CA Aquatour, Zámecká, 698 01 Veselí nad Moravou, tel.: +420 518 322 400, e-mail: [email protected], www.batakanal.cz SLOVÁCKO ON BOAT AND BICYCLE A week’s navigation on the Baa Channel and the Morava river combined with cycling trips. You will start in Veselí nad Moravou, explore the most important towns of Slovácko, cycle to the foothills of the Chřiby, to Zlín, to Svatý Antonínek nad Blatnicí as well as to Skalica in Slovakia. Good atmosphere on the boat, sightseeing, free cycling and tastings of renowned culinary specialties. The program is suitable for groups of 9 – 13 persons. Day 1: boarding at 9 at the pier in Veselí, instruction and handover of boat, navigation to Uherský Ostroh (tour of the town, lunch), navigation to Staré Město, evening tour of Uherské Hradiště Day 2: cycling trip to Velehrad, tour of the Basilica, archeological skansen, lunch, navigation to Spytihněv, get together at Rejda Day 3: navigation to Napajedla, tour of the historic center, navigation to Otrokovice, cycling trip to Baa’s Zlín, tour of the center, navigation to Spytihněv Relaxing on the Water Day 4: navigation on the Channel to Hradiště and then on the river to Uherský Ostroh, cycling trip to Svatý Antonínek nad Blatnicí and Ostrožská Lhota Day 5: navigation to Strážnice (lunch, tour of the town, skansen), navigation to Petrov (tour of the wine cellars) Day 6: cycling trip to Skalica and Sudoměřice (the Tipping Plant, tour of the town), navigation to Strážnice (wine tasting in wine cellar) Day 7: cycling trip to the Service Trees and the Travičná lookout tower, navigation to Veselí, return of boat (6 PM) Further information available at: CA Aquatour, Zámecká, 698 01 Veselí nad Moravou, tel.: +420 518 322 400, e-mail: [email protected], www.batakanal.cz Similar trip can also initiate in Spytihněv, Staré Město, Vnorovy, Strážnice or Sudoměřice. NAVIGATION THROUGH THE FLOODPLAIN LANDSCAPE ON THE DYJE RIVER (DAY OR NIGHT) A half-day’s program for small and large groups. Navigation on the route Břeclav – Jan’s Castle and back with commentary on the landscape, local history and navigation. The navigation takes an hour there and an hour back. After the arrival in Jan’s Castle, you can take as long a break as you wish during which you might want to visit the castle, or have a snack at the pier, or perhaps taste a selection of wines. You can take your bike on the boat. Further information available at: Lodní doprava Břeclav (Water transport), Haškova 2706, 690 02 Břeclav, tel.: +420 519 355 110, e-mail: [email protected], www.lodnidoprava.com SLOVÁCKO ON A HORSEBACK All day’s program at the Horse Riding Club Mikulov or in Hippoclub Lednice with rides in the Lednice-Valtice Area or in the Pálava Hills. In Lednice, parents can take their children on pony rides in the chateau park. Riding below Buchlov 39 Route: Mikulov Sedlec Nesyt Pond (largest pond in Moravia) Border Chateau (refreshments) Pond Chateau New Farm (horses) Three Graces Hlohovec Nesyt Sedlec (wine tasting) Mikulov Route: Lednice Jan’s Castle Three Graces St. Hubertus Chapel Rendez-vous Lednice Further information available at: Jezdecký klub Mikulov (Horse Riding Club Mikulov), Hlavenka Stables, 692 01 Mikulov, tel.: +420 732 817 507, e-mail: [email protected] www.jkmikulov.cz Hippoclub Lednice, spol. s r. o., 21. dubna 4, 691 44 Lednice, tel.: +420 519 340 477, e-mail: [email protected] www.hippoclub.penzion.com CHŘIBY ON A HORSEBACK The mellow hills of the Chřiby also invite for horse riding. The Koryčany Hipocentrum can be your base for an active holiday in the Chřiby Hills. It offers 25 horses for agrotourism as well as therapeutic riding, indoor riding hall, two tilt-yards, accommodation (in rooms and chalets), boarding, facilities for grilling, camp fires and additional sports, but above all for horse riding and wandering around in the Chřiby Hills. The Nevada Ranch in Buchlovice-Smraavka has 50 horses and many routes for horse rides. You can have a great time riding on the meadows and hills, around the nearby castle of Buchlov, the chapel of St. Barbara or the chateau of Buchlovice. You can ride to the romantic castle ruins of Cimburk or see the sequoia trees in Chabaně. To be able to do all that, you need to possess the basic techniques of horse riding (walk, trot and gallop). Rides might be accompanied by a guide. All rides require prior appointments. Further information available at: Hipocentrum Koryčany, Zámecká 328, 768 05 Koryčany, tel.: +420 573 377 029, e-mail: [email protected], www.hipo.cz Ranch Nevada, Smraavka, 687 08 Buchlovice, tel.: +420 603 531 878, e-mail: [email protected], www.ranch-nevada.cz S p a s a n d We l l n e s s AT THE LIVE WATER SPRING Ostrožská Nová Ves Spas If you got the impression after reading the preceding chapters that in Slovácko, everything is healed with fresh wine, slivowitz, wine or other fruit brandies, and that water is only used for washing glasses, tasters and barrels, we will try to explain the right state of things. Slovácko has many natural water springs the healing effects of which were already known to our ancestors. As early as in 16th century, the village of Nezdenice was mentioned as a sought-after place with sulphuric aciduous water. Sulphuric springs once helped heal at the “Healthy Water” spas near Koryčany or the “Heliga” spas in Čejč. Mineral spas also used to be in Petrov a n d 40 the local sulphurous springs are still today visited by tourists, just like the spas in Vlčnov and Suchá Loz. There are legends of healing powers told about many other water springs spread in all corners of Slovácko. Today, however, a legend is not of the same value as chemical analysis of the water. Quality water springs in Ostrožská Nová Ves, Buchlovice or Hodonín have many times shown their healing effects and the local spa resorts, equipped with the latest technology, help the sick people to regain their health. More and more popular are wellness stays that enable healthy people during their stays to “recharge the batteries”. The list of spa and wellness facilities in Slovácko will in the nearest future also include Lednice and later also Pasohlávky. An important aspect of the success of the spas in Slovácko is the beautiful environment with the possibilities of walking in the countryside and the offer of cultural and social events. Just come and see for yourselves during some of the spa or wellness stays. A t t h e L i v e Wa t e r S p r i n g Leopoldov Buchlovice Spas BUCHLOVICE SPAS OF LEOPOLDOV The spas in the impressive landscape of the Chřiby near Buchlovice were founded at the beginning of the 19th century. They were named after Leopold Berchtold, the owner of the estate. Today, the spas only function as a regeneration and relaxation center without sulphuric water. Visitors can enjoy hydro-massages, Scottish jets, whirlpool baths with herbal extracts, body peelings, seaweed wraps and Dead Sea mud. Lázně Leopoldov Buchlovice, Smraavka 416, 687 08 Buchlovice, www.lazneleopoldov.eu HODONÍN SPAS OF HODONÍN The spa resort of Hodonín is one of the most recently established spas in the Czech Republic. The resort is situated in the newly renovated park on the outskirts of the town. The iodobromine water of Hodonín with high content of iodine salts and relatively low mineralization is one of the best of its kind in Europe. Among the illnesses treated here are degenerative joint and spinal column disorders, veinous system of limbs and muscle and tendon disabilities. Apart from medical stays, the spas offer reconditioning and relaxation stays suitable above all against weariness and lowered efficiency, to improve physical condition or to lose weight. In the close proximity of Hodonín, you can visit various popular festivals, traditional feasts and wine-making festivals; you can go swimming in the indoor swimming pool or go to the ZOO; the nearby forest complex of Doubrava is ideal for short as well as long walks. The s p a re s o r t has i t s ow n bi ke Hodonín Spas rental which means guests can also cycle in the surrounding countryside. Lázně Hodonín, Měšanská 140, 695 01 Hodonín, www.laznehodonin.cz OSTROŽSKÁ NOVÁ VES SULPHURIC SPAS All year round, the spas offer balneo-therapy based on the sulphuric water springs. The spas also provide complex electrotherapeutics and individual and special rehabilitation care. The water effects not only the locomotive organs, but has favourable effects on skin diseases as well. The spas has carried out successful research of treatment of patients with skin diseases (psoriasis). The spa guests can use a number of services right on the premises including solarium, pedicure or cosmetics and they can also try the local specialty – the Sinova spa cosmetics. In the vicinity of the spa resort are the famous lakes of Ostrožská Nová Ves, an ideal place for swimming. Visitors can also use many tourist and cycling trails in the White Carpathians and the Chřiby Hills or attend the rich cultural life of the nearby town of Uherské Hradiště. Sirnaté lázně Ostrožská Nová Ves s.r.o., 687 22 Ostrožská Nová Ves, www.laznenovaves.cz 41 RECOMMENDED PROGRAMS Detailed information on the offer is available at Avedon – the destination agency of the Slovácko region (the phone number +420 519 512 797 or at the e-mail: [email protected]). PRAGUE AND THE SPAS OF SLOVÁCKO An attractive combination of a week’s wellness stay in a spa of your choice in Slovácko and three days in the magical Prague. You will be looked after at the very heart of South Moravia. The stay is designed for middle-aged and elderly people. Day 1: Prague – spas of your choice (Hodonín, Ostrožská Nová Ves, Leopoldov Buchlovice), transfer Day 2 – Day 7: spas (half board stay in the spas, taking baths, other spa services optional, cultural programs and excursions, accommodation) Day 8: spas – Prague (transfer to Prague, dinner on boat with live music, accommodation) Day 9: Prague (guided tour of the Prague Castle and the city center, accommodation) Day 10: Prague (individual program, accommodation) Day 11: Departure To w n s o f S l o v á c k o SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT TOWNS Uherské Hradiště There are no great cities in Slovácko, but many towns great for their historic monuments, cultural traditions, hospitality, services offered and various recreational options. Although the roots of some of the towns in Slovácko date back more than a thousand years ago, they are contemporary places vibrant with life. The following pages present a selection of tourist programs that will enable you to explore in detail the grace of the Slovácko towns. You can start in the North with the triangle area of Uherské Hradiště, Staré Město and Kunovice. After the tour of the town historic reserve of Uherské Hradiště, you can go on a boat trip on the Baa Channel and get on a plane for sightseeing flight from the airport of Kunovice. By plane or in a hot-air balloon, you could get to the area of Uherský Brod. Here, in the land of Comenius, you can visit a museum dedicated to this teacher of the nations, go have fun in the aquapark in Uherský Brod and then, refreshed, see the neo-Gothic chateau of Nový Světlov in Bojkovice in the foothills of the White Carpathians. From there, go on the Eastern center of the Dolňácko area – to Hluk. After watching the Ride of the Kings you might go West to another significant town of Dolňácko – Kyjov – and see one of the many folklore events, or check out some adrenaline attractions in the Babylon Sportland and get a ride on the roller coaster. Or you can get on your bicycle and ride Southeast to Veselí nad Moravou, the gate of the White Carpathians and another town on the Baa Channel. On the Channel, you can navigate to the North to Uherský Ostroh with the Renaissance chateau, or to the South, to the center of folklore fans – to Strážnice. After seeing the festival and the skansen with wine tasting or sam42 pling of special destillates, you can see a unique exposition of musical instruments in the chateau and then continue further South to Hodonín. In the native town of T. G. Masaryk you can visit the museum dedicated to the personality of the first president of Czechoslovakia or the newly founded museum presenting the extraction of the black gold – oil – in Slovácko. Tired with your journeys you can fresh up in the local spas or during your visit to the microbrewery in the main street. Up the stream of the Morava river you can go on to Břeclav, the center of the Podluží region, and then on to the town of history and wine – Valtice. In Břeclav, you can enjoy some sport and then set out on to the Lednice-Valtice Area – on foot, on a bike or by boat to the Jan’s Castle. There is still a few kilometers to go to Valtice, but each of them is more beautiful than the other. The road leads through the natural park around romantic buildings and lakes to the chateau of Valtice. After visiting it, you can go underground into the wine cellars and spend some pleasant time tasting the best wine of our country in the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic. This is where you could end your trip of Slovácko, if it wasn’t for the ancient Mikulov. After the tour of the Mikulov historic reserve and the wine-making exhibition with the Giant Cask and then really finish your journey on the top of the magical Holly Hill or the cave of Turold. Do you think that is a little too much? You are right. You should therefore choose a slightly less demanding route from our offer and explore Slovácko step by step, town by town, region by region. You are in great danger, however, that Slovácko will win you over and a summer affair will turn into a whole-life love. S o m e w h a t D i f f e r e n t To w n s Kings or the Kunovice Summer – children’s folklore festival. School of folklore dance is also an interesting event. Do not miss church of St. Peter and Paul Air Museum Kunovice Forest instructional trail of the Ascension of Virgin Mary Baroque parochial church of the Immaculate Conception of Virgin Mary bronze “Via Lucis” by Ivan Theimer historic building of the Town Hall with Gothic vaulted cellar church of Jan Hus from 14th century planetarium Uherský Brod Uherské Hradiště www.ub.cz www.mesto-uh.cz UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ The capital of Slovácko has rich cultural life. It is the seat of The Slovácko Theater, The Museum of Slovácko and out of the many interesting events, the Summer Film School and the Slovácko Festival of Wine and Open Monuments are probably the most renowned. The town historic reserve, the historic burghers’ wine cellar in Mařatice and the nearby lookout tower is very much worth your visit. Do not miss parochial church of St. Francis Xavier Baroque pharmacy At the Golden Crown Renaissance House At the Sun 13th century Town Hall Marian Square with the Plague Column 1718–21 Gothic chapel of St Elisabet, the oldest preserved building in town Franciscan monastery founded in 1490 Synagogue built in 1875 historic burghers’ wine cellar in the quarter of Mařatice Rovnina lookout tower STARÉ MĚSTO Staré Město has – apart from archeological monuments – many opportunities for sports, cycling, horse riding or navigating on the Baa Channel. You really should visit the archeological exposition in the Memorial of Great Moravia. Do not miss Memorial of Great Moravia archeological locality of Špitálky The Baa Channel Kunovice www.mesto-kunovice.cz HEART OF SLOVÁCKO IN TREE DAYS Day 1: arrival in Uherské Hradiště, accommodation, tour of the town and sightseeing: church of St. Francis Xavier Reduta Marian Square Chapel of St. Elisabeth The Slovácko Museum Art Gallery The Museum of Slovácko, evening in the burghers’ wine cellars in Mařatice with wine tasting and cymbalom music Day 2: navigation on the Baa Channel from the pier in Staré Město (with alternative sightseeing or picnic sails for groups), visit to the Memorial of Great Moravia Day 3: Kunovice, visit to the Air Museum and cycling trip on the route: Kunovice Uherské Hradiště-Sady (archeological locality Špitálky) Vésky Popovice (Museum of Costumes) Veletiny (wine cellar alley) Hradčovice Lhotka (lookout tower) Drslavice Havřice Vlčnov (wine cellar alley) Veletiny Podolí Míkovice Kunovice KUNOVICE UHERSKÝ BROD Kunovice boast their air museum with possibilities of sightseeing flights or parachute jumps, but also the traditional Ride of the Staré Město www.staremesto.uh.cz The town of Uherský Brod has many monuments including the Museum of Jan Amos Komenský. You can also visit the planetarium, the Janáček Brewery or the Delfín Aquapark. Do not miss Museum of J. A. Komenský Japanese graden in the Museum Gothic town walls near the Museum, stone artefacts in the nearby park Marian Square with the Plague Column Knight’s House Gallery Baroque Dominican monastery and church 43 BOJKOVICE The most significant monument of Bojkovice is the Nový Světlov chateau; natural monuments are featured on the instructional trail through the valley of the Olšava to the main range of the White Carpathians. Do not miss neo-Gothic chateau of Nový Světlov with the park and museum church of St. Lawrence from the 17th century Marian Column from 1716 Bojkovice instructional trail Eurocamping Bojkovice (natural swimming pool) THROUGH THE LAND OF COMENIUS Day 1: arrival in Uherský Brod, accommodation, short tour of the town, dinner Day 2: sightseeing in the town – Museum of J. A. Komenský Japanese garden Marian Square with the Plague Column parochial church of the Immaculate Conception of Virgin Mary Baroque Dominican monastery and church of the Ascension of Virgin Mary Day 3: Bojkovice, tour of the church of St. Lawrence and the neo-Gothic castle of Nový Světlov with museum exposition, instructional trail through the valley of the Olšava (16 km) Bojkovice www.bojkovice.cz To w n s o f S l o v á c k o UHERSKÝ OSTROH Kyjov www.mestokyjov.cz The dominant feature of Uherský Ostroh is the chateau that is together with the historic town square protected as the town historic reserve. Other points of interest include the Jewish cemetery, the School Center of Folklore Creativity and the pier on the Baa Channel. Do not miss Renaissance chateau with wine bank Baroque parochial church of St. Andrew steel-concrete bridge from 1928 lock chamber and pier on the Baa Channel KYJOV Kyjov is one of the centers of the Dolňácko region and the venue of th ethnographic festival “The Year of Slovácko” (next festivals will be held in 2007 and 2011). Kyjov and its surroundings offer many possibilities for horse riding, swimming, cycling or some adrenaline activities in the skate park or the roller coaster. Do not miss Renaissance Town Hall from the 16th century Renaissance chateau with sgraffiti decorations and local history exposition church of the Ascension of Virgin Mary, St. Cyril and Methodius Baroque Column of the Ascension of Virgin Mary poorhouse of Dominik Jurovský roller coaster in Sportland Babylon sightseeing flights of the local flying club A WEEKEND IN THE KYJOV AREA Day 1: arrival in Kyjov, accommodation, dinner Day 2: walk through the town and sightseeing: town hall chateau (museum) square, afternoon program in Sportland Babylon (roller coaster etc.) Day 3: whole day’s circuit through the area of Kyjov for motorists: Kyjov Ježov (Hošálka nature reserve, quarry of Ježov) Žeravice (Memorial of J. A. Komenský) Těmice (swimming pool) Bzenec (square, Jewish cemetery) Vracov (folklore museum) Milotice (chateau, Šidleny wine cellars) Svatobořice-Mistřín (former internation camp) Hovorany (Hovorany Meadows nature reserve) Žarošice (pilgrimage site) Ždánice (Vrbas Museum, planetarium) Lovčice (U vrby nature reserve) Bukovany (Mill of Bukovany) Kyjov Uherský Ostroh www.uhostroh.cz Strážnice www.straznice-mesto.cz STRÁŽNICE Strážnice, a former border fortress, is renowned as a wine-making center, the venue of the International Folklore Festival and the Southern gate to the White Carpathians. Among the popular tourist destinations of Slovácko is the Museum of the Southeastern Moravian Village and the chateau with the unique exposition with musical instruments. Do not miss Museum of the Southeastern Moravian Village (skansen) chateau with exposition with musical instruments Municipal Museum and Milling Museum church of Virgin Mary and church of St. Martin Jewish quarter, synagogue and cemetery blueprint workshop optional navigation on the Baa Channel Strážnice Morava River Valley Natural Park, Žerotín and Osypané břehy natural monuments VESELÍ NAD MORAVOU In Veselí you should not miss the local fairs, costumed feasts, regular brass music festival and children’s folklore festival. The local planetarium and the historic hydro power plant are also worth a visit. Do not miss church of Guardian Angels and Servite monastery church of St. Bartholomew Municipal Museum historic hydro power station with two functioning turbines planetarium Educational and Information Centre of the White Carpathians The Baa Chanel 44 Strážnice - MFF Hluk www.mestohluk.cz HLUK The town of Hluk is one of the centers of the Dolňácko region and every three years, it becomes the venue for the Dolňácko Festival of Songs and Dances with the Ride of the Kings. Among the local monuments is the originally Gothic stronghold and two farmsteads protected as cultural monuments. Do not miss early Baroque dome of St. Lawrence from 1736–1741 chapel below the Babí Hill from 1525 monuments of folklore architecture – house n. 283 a 284 with the expositions of life in rural farmsteads from the 17th to the middle of 20th century stronghold first mentioned in 1303 with the museum in the tower and a “rural hall” LONG WEEKEND IN THE DOLŇÁCKO AREA Day 1: arrival in Strážnice, accommodation, sightseeing: town hall Municipal Museum chateau with exposition of music instruments Milling Museum church of Virgin Mary, dinner with wine tasting and cymbal music Day 2: navigation on the Baa Channel to Veselí nad Moravou, tour of the chateau park and the historic hydro power station, planetarium, navigation back to Strážnice Day 3: cycling trip: Strážnice Vnorovy Veselí nad Moravou Uherský Ostroh (chateau, town historic reserve, Jewish cemetery) Hluk (stronghold and monuments of folklore architecture) Boršice u Blatnice Blatnička Kněždub (native house of the Úprka brothers) Tvarožná Lhota (Museum of the Service Tree) Strážnice Visitors with cars are also recommended to visit Kuželov (windmill – technical monument) and Radějov (Travičná lookout tower) Day 4: visit to the skansen of Strážnice Veselí nad Moravou www.veseli-nad-moravou.cz S o m e w h a t D i f f e r e n t To w n s HODONÍN In Hodonín, the native town of President T. G. Masaryk, you should visit the Masaryk Museum, the Art Gallery, the newly opened Museum of Oil Extraction and Geology and the local ZOO. Increasingly popular are the spas of Hodonín and many visitors also like the options of sporting activities – indoor and outdoor swimming pool, sports center, ice rink etc. Do not miss Masaryk square with the town hall built in the style of Nürnberg Art Nouveau Baroque church of St. Lawrence and Plague Column Masaryk Museum in the Baroque chateau Museum of Oil Extraction and Geology Art Gallery Spas of Hodonín ZOO Hodonín with the pavilion of exotic birds, anthropoids, apes, reptiles, wolves and sea life exposition Water Tourism Center – the U Jezu pier, optional navigation on the Morava river on the Konstancie boat WEEKEND IN HODONÍN Day 1: arrival in Hodonín, accommodation, tour of the town: Masaryk Square town hall Baroque church of St. Lawrence and Plague Column dinner Day 2: Masaryk Museum Art Gallery, afternoon navigation on the Morava river on the Konstancie boat or visit to the Museum of Oil Extraction and Geology, get together with tasting in the Kunc microbrewery Day 3: Spas of Hodonín (massages, whirl baths, electrotherapy or whirpool) or visit to the ZOO Hodonín www.hodonin.com Břeclav www.breclav.org Mikulov BŘECLAV Břeclav, the center of the Podluží region, is a town of sports and active relaxation with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, sports centers and many trails for walking and cycling. Do not miss church of St. Wenceslas from 1990s Municipal Museum and Gallery Synagogue, Jewish cemetery optional navigation on the Dyje to Jan’s Castle or Pohansko VALTICE Valtice is the town of historical monuments and wine. The Valtice chateau is one of the most valuable Baroque monuments in the country and its cellars hide the top hundred wines in the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic. The town is one of the two centers of the Lednice-Valtice Area, included on the UNESCO list of world heritage. Do not miss Baroque chateau of Valtice chateau park from 18th century church of the Ascension of Virgin Mary from the 17th century Rajstna Colonnade Rendez-vous WEEKEND IN LEDNICE-VALTICE AREA Day 1: arrival in Břeclav, accommodation, afternoon walk through the town: parochial church of St. Wenceslas synagogue Municipal Museum and Gallery chateau Jewish cemetery with the crypt of the Kuffner family and ceremonial hall Day 2: navigation from the Rowboat Club to Jan’s Castle, cycling trip via Lednice to the Three Graces, St. Hubertus Chapel, Rendez-vous to Valtice (tour of the town: town square with town hall and Plague Column church of the Ascension of Virgin Mary chateau chateau cellar – Wine Salon of the Czech Republic chateau park Rajstna Colonnade Wine Cellars of Vinné sklepy Valtice – Cross Cellar, wine tasting town square) Day 3: navigation from the House of Culture to Pohansko and back, tour of Pohansko and the instructional trail 45 www.mikulov.cz MIKULOV The ancient Mikulov, center of the Mikulov wine-making area, has many historic monuments in the town center, the museum in the chateau with the wine-making exposition and the Giant Cask as well as many cultural events such as the art symposion “Workshop” or the Guitar Festival. One of the natural monuments is the Na Turoldu cave. Do not miss chateau of Mikulov with several expositions and the chateau cellar with the Giant Cask chateau park with the fountain, small botanical garden and rose garden town square with the Holy Trinity Column, fountain, Canonicus’ Houses and the Renaissance sgraffiti house church of St. Wenceslas with ossuary Holly Hill with Station of the Cross, church of St. Sebastian and the Bell Tower Goat Peak lookout tower Husova Street (former Jewish quarter) with the synagogue and the large Jewish cemetery Na Turoldu cave, the most important wintering place of bats in the Czech Republic WEEKEND IN MIKULOV Day 1: arrival in Mikulov, accommodation, evening tour of the town and get together in wine cellar or wine bank Day 2: sightseeing: town square church of St. Wenceslas ossuary Dietrichstein Crypt Jewish cemetery Goat Peak (lookout tower), Na Turoldu cave and the instructional trail with the geopark Day 3: walk through the chateau park chateau of Mikulov (expositions of the Regional Museum, Giant Wine Cask) synagogue Jewish quarter, walk to the Holly Hill (pilgrimage site) Valtice www.radnice-valtice.cz Congresses A NICE PLACE FOR BUSINESS AND MORE If you are looking for a site to have your congress, seminar or another corporate event, try the region of Slovácko. Here you will find fully equipped exclusive venues in castles, chateaus or Baroque Jesuit residence as well as smaller and more intimate locations. The local chefs will prepare the best of the specialties of Slovácko for you or anything according to your demands. You can choose from many options of traditional as well as nontraditional accompanying outdoor, folklore or wine-making programs. Slovácko also offers quality accommodation services and experienced production companies that know the local offer very well and tailor an event exactly according to your requirements. RECOMMENDED CORPORATE PROGRAMS I. SLOVÁCKO- REDUTA Day 1: arrival in Uherské Hradiště, accommodation, welcome, refreshment, guided tour of the royal town (Marian Square with St. Francis Xavier church, the Baroque pharmacy At the Golden Crown, synagogue, Old Town Hall, house At the Sun), evening get together in wine cellar with wine tasting, cymbal music and regional specialties Day 2: all-day corporate event in the center of Uherské Hradiště – in Reduta, one of the most exclusive venues in the whole region (renovated historic building of the former Jesuit college in Masaryk Square with the maximum capacity of 260 seats), refreshments, evening program according to the demands of the client (at the Baa Channel, chateau of Buchlovice, Janáček brewery in Uherský Brod etc.) Day 3: morning program in the Air Museum in Kunovice, outdoor activities (tandem parachute jumps, sightseeing flights) refreshments, end of event II. CHARM OF THE HODONÍN AREA Day 1: arrival and accommodation in Kyjov or Hodonín, sporting activities (squash, tennis, bowling), welcome dinner, evening social program Day 2: transfer to Milotice, negotiations in the chateau, refreshments, afternoon tour of the castle with folklore program, cycling trip to Dubňany – about 5 km (guided wine tasting, excursion to vineyards, traditional Moravian snacks, cymbal music), return to hotel Day 3: transfer to Milotice, negotiations in the chateau, refreshments, the Baa Channel (sailing to Strážnice with program), dinner in style of Slovácko hog-sticking with Strážnice wine tasting, return to hotel Day 4: sporting and competition morning in Sportland in Strážovice (roller coaster, quadricycles) III. CONGRESS IN THE CHATEAU IN MIKULOV Day 1: arrival, welcome drink, information, accommodation, program at the chateau (negotiations in the Great Chateau Hall), refreshments, historic program (fencing performance, castle guard, night tour of the chateau with the White Lady, wine tasting in the cellar with Giant Cask, buffet, fireworks, period music) Day 2: negotiations in the chateau, refreshments, trip to Lednice (tour of the chateau, greenhouse and chateau park), get together in wine cellar (wine tasting with the marrying wine and food, cymbal music) Day 3: guided tour of the town of Mikulov CONFERENCES IN CHATEAUS AND OTHER VENUES The representative seat of the Liechtensteins in Lednice and Valtice, the Baroque chateau of Mikulov, the Baroque aristocratic residence in Milotice, stronghold in Čejkovice, the beautiful halls of Reduta in Uherské Hradiště – that is just a fraction of the exclusive offer of venues for your congress, conference or any other corporate event. We can offer an attractive atmosphere of the site, top quality congress equipment, experienced production background as well as well established and nontraditional accompanying events. The choice is yours. Other sample programs: In the shade of the Service tree Meeting below the Buchlov hills Between Brno and Bratislava Under the shield of the Templar knights Between Brno and Vienna, and others RECOMMENDED CORPORATE EVENT VENUES HODONÍN AND SURROUNDINGS Čejkovice: Zámek Hotel, Albor Hotel • Hodonín: Krystal Hotel, Panon Hotel, House of Culture, Masaryk Museum (Hall of Europe), Hodonín Spas HUSTOPEČE AND SURROUNDINGS Bořetice: Kraví hora Hotel • Hustopeče: Centro Hotel, Rustikal Hotel • Kurdějov: Tenis Hotel KYJOV AND SURROUNDINGS Bukovany: Mill in Bukovany • Bzenec: 46 Junior Hotel • Kyjov: Club Hotel, Town Hall • Milotice: Chateau of Milotice LEDNICE-VALTICE AREA Břeclav: Rose Hotel, Čech Hotel, Rotunda Pension • Lednice: Chateau of Lednice (Knights’ Hall), My Hotel, Penzion Onyx • Podivín: Jan’s Castle • Valtice: Chateau of Valtice (Stables), Hubertus Hotel, Rendez-vous MIKULOV AND SURROUNDINGS Dolní Dunajovice: Dr. Karl Renner Congress Center • Mikulov: Chateau of Mikulov (Congress Hall and Sala Terrena), Cinema Hall, Mikulov Hotel, MBZ M Hotel, Eliška Hotel, Zámeček Hotel, Rohatý krokodýl Hotel, Templ Hotel • Pavlov: Iris Hotel STRÁŽNICE AND SURROUNDINGS Radějov: Radějov Hotel, Roseta Pension• Strážnice: Strážnice Hotel, Chateau of Strážnice (Knights’ Hall and louges), Museum of the Southeastern Moravian Village – skansen (Baroque brewery) UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ AND SURROUNDINGS Buchlovice: Buchlov Park Hotel, Buchlovice Hotel• Staré Město: Synot Hotel • Uherské Hradiště: Reduta (historic hall), Club of Culture, Lecture Center of the Slovácko Museum, Slunce Hotel, BW Grand Hotel, Koníček Hotel, Hvězda Cinema • Uherský Brod: House of Culture • Velehrad: Mlýn Hotel Organization of congresses and corporate events in Slovácko: Avedon s.r.o. – destination agency for the region of Slovácko, Náměstí 30, 692 01 Mikulov, tel.: +420 519 512 797-8, e-mail: [email protected] Useful travelling information Hodonín / Holíč – nonstop Sudoměřice / Skalica – nonstop Velká nad Veličkou / Vrbovce – nonstop Strání / Moravské Lieskové – nonstop Březová / Nová Bošáca – nonstop Starý Hrozenkov / Drietoma – nonstop USEFUL TRAVELLING INFORMATION TRAFFIC CONNECTIONS The tourist region of Slovácko lies in the Southeastern part of Moravia and is easily accessible by train. International expresses and Intercity and Eurocity trains from Vienna and Bratislava stop at Břeclav before going on to Brno and Prague. You can also take trains going on via Hodonín and Staré Město to Přerov and further to Ostrava, Olomouc or Prague. From these railway junctions you can go further by train or bus to other places in the region. Intercity bus lines will take you to Slovácko from Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Bratislava or Vienna. By car, you can get there on the Prague – Brno motorway that crosses the region and past Břeclav goes on to Bratislava. From Vienna, take the E 461 international road; from Ostrava the I/55 national road via Přerov, Uherské Hradiště and Břeclav. Large international airports are located in Prague (about 300 km) and Vienna (about 100 km). The closest national airports are in Kunovice, Brno and Ostrava. BORDER CROSSINGS AUSTRIA Mikulov / Drasenhofen – nonstop Mikulov / Ottenthal (pedetrians, cyclists, horse riders, motorcycles up to 50 ccm, 1st April – 31st October from 6 AM to 10 PM, 1st November – 31st March 8 AM – 8 PM) Valtice / Schrattenberg (6 AM – 10 PM, no buses) Poštorná / Reinthal (6 AM – 10 PM, no buses) SLOVAKIA Lanžhot / Brodské – nonstop Břeclav / Brodské (D2) – nonstop TOURIST SEASON The spring tourist season starts in April when the greatest attraction is the awakening nature. In the main summer tourist season from June to September you can enjoy water sports, visit historic monuments or take part in the local cultural events. The autum season lasts until November and especially attracts groups of visitors who after visiting sights like to enjoy fresh or regular wine in wine cellars. The winter tourist season lasts from November to March. RULES FOR TRAVELLING IN THE TERRITORIES OF THE PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AREAS There are two protected landscape areas in Slovácko – the White Carpathians and the Pálava. Movement of visitors on these territories is regulated so that the damage to the extraordinary natural monuments is limited. We would like to bring your attention to some of the major rules. You must not litter, pick protected plants and flowers or collect protected animals. Making fire, camping outside designated areas and parking outside roads and parking lots is not allowed. These rules of course apply to the most valuable parts of these areas – the nature reserves, where you can only move on designated paths. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 1st January – Restoration of the Independent Czech State Day 8th May – Liberation Day 5th July – St. Constantinus and Methodius Day 6th July – Jan Hus Day 28th September – Czech Statehood Day 28th October – Foundation of Independent Czechoslovak State Day 17th November – Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day OTHER HOLIDAYS April – Easter Monday 1st May – Labor Day 24th December – Christmas Eve 25th December – Christmas Day 26th December – St. Stephen’s Day (On holidays, banks, some information centers and most shops are closed.) 47 OPENING TIMES OF WINE CELLARS The areas of wine cellars are usually freely accessible. We recommend visiting them in late afternoon or evening hours where most wine makers are present and most of their work is done. When you ask the owner for a short visit, you will usually not be turned down. Many villages, e. g. Pavlov, Hrušky, Velké Pavlovice, Velké Bílovice or Mikulov, moreover hold open cellars days. To larger groups we recommend approaching information centers that can mediate an evening in a wine cellar with cymbal music, guided wine tasting and other services. ACCOMMODATION The region has hotels of all categories, pensions as well as private accommodation. Local camping sites offer cheap accommodation in chalets or bungalows and places for erecting your own tents or for parking your trailers. INFORMATION ON THE REGION OF SLOVÁCKO All information on the tourist offer of the region will be given to you by the staff of the selected information centers (TIC), members of the certified TIC network of the Slovácko region. You will recognize them by the sign they use and that will also tell you, whether it is a local, district or regional TIC. You can approach all of the certified TIC whenever you need to book accommodation, hire a guide or just purchase information materials, maps and souvenirs. All information on Slovácko can also be found at www.slovacko.cz or at the website of the individual towns and villages. The Zlín Region THE ZLÍN REGION – MAGIC OF VARIETY Please accept our invitation for a short walk trough the region renowned for it’s beautiful nature, interesting monuments and living folklore traditions. The natural axis of this region is the broad valley of the Morava river. In the West are the Chřiby Hills, in the East the Hostýn and Vizovice Hills and the border range of the White Carpathians, Javorníky and Beskydy. Each name is a symbol for all lovers of nature, hiking, cycling and skiing. Those who like history can admire monuments of Great Moravia, splendid castles and chateaus, significant pilgrimage sites as well as works of modern architecture and a number of folklore buildings. In the region of Zlín, the traditions are still alive of the Slovácko, Valaško and Haná areas. They are not just a show for the tourists, but rather an authentic part of the life in the areas of Slovácko, Kroměříž, Valašsko and Zlínsko. These are the four diverse regions that together create the variety we would like to show you: When you come to Slovácko, you will find yourselves in the middle of archeological monuments from the times of the Great Moravian Empire; you can admire the majestic castle of 48 Buchlov or contemplate in the Velehrad Basilica – an important pilgrimage site, or cheer up in one of the many wine cellars. On your bike or on foot you can explore the picturesque land of Comenius, the beech forests and blossoming meadows of the White Carpathians or the rocks of the Chřiby Hills. On the Baa Channel you can go upstream to Otrokovice, to the area of Zlín. The name of the channel evokes the most famous local countryman who built the seat of his world empire here and rendered the area its typical features. The functionalist Baa architecture is one of the great temptations to be found here, together with the fairy-tale like chateau in Lešná surrounded by the famous ZOO, the chateau of Vizovice or the well-known spas center of Luhačovice. Nearby are the borders of the Valašsko region, or Valachia. Which fans of skiing, cycling or hiking would not know of Pustevny, Radhoš, Velké Karlovice. And which lover of folklore architecture and traditions would resist the temptation to visit the Valachian Open Air Museum, the renowned skansen of Rožnov. Through the historic towns of Vsetín or Valašské Meziříčí you can continue to the East to the fruitful planes of Haná. M a g i c o f Va r i e t y Iceland Finland Sweden Norway Russia Estonia Latvia Denmark Lithuania Belarus Ireland Great Britain Netherlands Poland Germany Ukraine Belgium Luxemburg Czech Republic Slovakia Austria France Switzerland Moldovia Hungary Romania Slovenia SLOVÁCKO Croatia ZLÍNSKO A LUHAČOVSKÉ ZÁLESÍ Bos. & Herz. Serbia Monaco Italy Portugal Bulgaria Macedonia Spain Albania Turkey Greece KROMĚŘÍŽSKO VALAŠSKO You cannot miss – the important pilgrimage hill os Hostýn will show you the direction. On your way, you can see the unique Jewish monuments in Holešov with the local chateau park, the skansen in the nearby Rymice or the chateau in Chropyně. The heart of this part of the region is Kroměříž – the town of the archbishops of Olomouc. One of its dominants is without doubt the archbishop chateau with splendid gardens protected by UNESCO as a part of the world cultural heritage. The Region of Zlín is a place you can visit any time of the year and find someting new each time. Come and discover the magic of Variety. 49 Discover the Zlín Region M a p o f S l o v á c ko a n d S u r r o u n d i n g s 50 | 51 Tourist Information Centers BOJKOVICE INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM MIKROREGIONU BOJKOVSKA Sušilova 952, 687 71 Bojkovice tel.: +420 572 610 420 e-mail: [email protected] www.mikroregion-bojkovsko.cz BŘECLAV TURISTICKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM Nám. T. G. Masaryka 3, 690 81 Břeclav tel./fax: +420 519 326 900 e-mail: [email protected], www.breclav.org BUCHLOVICE TURISTICKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM náměstí Svobody 24, 687 08 Buchlovice tel./fax: +420 572 595 996 e-mail: [email protected], http://tic.buchlovice.cz HODONÍN INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM MĚSTA HODONÍNA Národní třída 36, 695 01 Hodonín tel.: +420 518 351 437, fax: +420 518 352 577 e-mail: [email protected], www.hodonin.com HUSTOPEČE TURISTICKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM dům „U Synků“, Dukelské náměstí 23, 693 01 Hustopeče tel.: +420 519 412 909, fax: +420 519 413 792 e-mail: [email protected] www.hustopece-city.cz KUNOVICE MĚSTSKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM Na Rynku 886, 686 04 Kunovice tel./fax: +420 572 549 999 e-mail: [email protected], www.mesto-kunovice.cz KYJOV INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM MĚSTA KYJOVA Svatoborská 26, 697 01 Kyjov tel.: +420 518 697 411, fax: +420 518 614 097 e-mail: [email protected], www.ickyjov.cz www.mestokyjov.cz, www.kyjovsko.cz LEDNICE TURISTICKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM Zámecké náměstí 68, 691 44 Lednice tel./fax: +420 519 340 986 e-mail: [email protected], www.lednice.cz MIKULOV TURISTICKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM Náměstí 1, 692 01 Mikulov tel./fax: +420 519 510 855 e-mail: [email protected], www.mikulov.cz PASOHLÁVKY TURISTICKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM 691 22 Pasohlávky tel./fax: +420 519 427 624 e-mail: [email protected] [email protected], www.pasohlavky.cz RADĚJOV – LUČINA INFOCENTRUM 696 67 Radějov tel./fax: +420 518 337 828 e-mail: [email protected] www.radejov.cz, www.straznicko.cz STARÉ MĚSTO MĚSTSKÁ KNIHOVNA A INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM Za Radnicí 1823, 686 03 Staré Město tel./fax: +420 572 541 009 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] www.staremesto.uh.cz STRÁNÍ INFOCENTRUM STRÁNÍ – KVĚTNÁ Na Zámečku 71, 687 65 Strání tel./fax: +420 572 695 240, e-mail: [email protected], www.strani.cz STRÁŽNICE TURISTICKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM STRÁŽNICKA Hotel Strážnice Předměstí 3, 696 62 Strážnice tel.: +420 518 332 444, +420 518 324 904 e-mail: [email protected] www.straznicko.cz, www.straznice-mesto.cz UHERSKÉ HRADIŠTĚ MĚSTSKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM Masarykovo nám. 21, 686 01 Uherské Hradiště tel.: +420 572 525 525-6, fax: +420 572 525 527 e-mail: [email protected] www.slovacko.cz, www.uherske-hradiste.cz INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM PORTAL Masarykovo nám. 35, 686 01 Uherské Hradiště tel.: +420 572 540 232, tel./fax: +420 572 556 113 e-mail: [email protected], www.portal.uh.cz UHERSKÝ BROD MĚSTSKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM Kaunicova 77, 688 01 Uherský Brod tel.: +420 572 634 802, e-mail: [email protected], www.mic.ub.cz VALTICE TURISTICKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM náměstí Svobody 4, 691 42 Valtice tel./fax: +420 519 352 978, e-mail: [email protected] www.radnice-valtice.cz VELKÉ PAVLOVICE TURISTICKÉ INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM Hlavní 9, 691 06 Velké Pavlovice tel./fax: +420 519 428 149 e-mail: [email protected] www.velke-pavlovice.cz VESELÍ NAD MORAVOU INFOCENTRUM BAŤOVA KANÁLU Zámecká 2, „U Baťáku“, 698 01 Veselí nad Moravou tel./fax: +420 518 325 330 e-mail: [email protected], www.batacanal.cz VZDĚLÁVACÍ A INFORMAČNÍ STŘEDISKO BÍLÉ KARPATY, o. p. s. Bartolomějské nám. 47, 698 01 Veselí nad Moravou tel.: +420 518 322 545, fax: +420 518 324 792 e-mail: [email protected] www.bilekarpaty.cz/vis VLČNOV INFORMAČNÍ CENTRUM PRO REGION VÝCHODNÍ SLOVÁCKO Klub sportu a kultury Vlčnov Vlčnov 186, 687 61 Vlčnov tel./fax: +420 572 675 130, tel.: +420 572 675 500 e-mail: [email protected], www.ksk.vlcnov.cz/ic Information on services, points of interest and cultural events • excursions • information leaflets • bookings of accommodation • guiding services • catering services • booking of wine cellars • tickets sale for cultural events Organization of lodging, trips and programs in Slovácko: Avedon s.r.o. – Destination Agency of the Slovácko Region, Náměstí 30, 692 01 Mikulov, tel.: +420 519 512 797-8, e-mail: [email protected]