DESTINATION:
Moravia
Moravia is the smaller of the two provinces which make up the Czech Republic and one of Europe's best kept secrets. An important part of the Habsburg Empire from the early 16th century until 1918, the province boasts a wealth of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The region seldom features prominently in holiday brochures but is a most rewarding destination to visit with idyllic scenery, rich folklore, scores of castles and churches, glorious Baroque towns, and Renaissance palaces surrounded by formal gardens and parks.
Moravia can be visited on its own but works well as an extension to Prague. En-route from Prague to Brno, the capital of Moravia, a visit to LEDNICE can be included. It offers a romantic chateau, a picturesque village and is particularly renowned for its extensive and beautiful grounds.
KEY VISITS (Recommended)
BRNO – has been the capital of Moravia since 1641. The large Špilberk fortress, symbol of Habsburg domination, overlooks the old town. The botanist Gregor Mendel (1822-84) established the modern science of heredity through his studies at the Augustinian monastery. The city has a rich cultural history, and as most of central Brno is a pedestrian area, browsing around the fascinating sights is a real pleasure. Many of the buildings need attention after years of neglect under communist rule, but one doesn’t have to delve too deeply beneath the surface to be intrigued by its architectural mix, from medieval to functionalist.
- ŠPILBERK FORTRESS – symbol of Habsburg domination, which dates from the first half of the 13th century and overlooks the city from its location on top of a hill bearing the same name.
- CAPUCHIN CRYPT– containing the mummified bodies of more than 100 Capuchin monks and other important inhabitants of the city of Brno.
- MORAVIAN GALLERY OF APPLIED ART – which houses a vast exhibition of arts and crafts, ranging from the excellent collection of early glass and furniture from the 9th century to the present day.
- VILLA TUGENDHAT – an exquisite example of modernist architecture designed by Mies van der Rohe, director of the Bauhaus from 1930-1933.
FURTHER AFIELD
- KROMERIZ – the seat of the bishops of Olomouc from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Visits here will include the ARCHBISHOP’S PALACE AND GARDENS, which incorporates amongst its complex a picture gallery with works by Titian, Caracci, Van Dyck and Brueghel the Younger.
- OLOMOUC – up until the 17th century Olomouc was the country’s second biggest town after Prague. Today the historic centre of the city is a protected area and has many examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
- BOUZOV – a romantic ‘fairytale’ castle dating back to the early 14th century, set amidst luscious woodland with a lavishly decorated interior.
- TELÇ – listed on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List since 1992, it is a unique medieval town and undoubtedly one of the finest examples of medieval urban architecture, combining Renaissance and Baroque buildings.
- TREBIC – the uniquely preserved Jewish Quarter of Třebíč was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003 and is the only Jewish monument outside Israel to feature on the List. It is situated between the Jihlava River and Hrádek Hill, which affords magnificent views over the roof tops. The once densely populated area has an almost mysterious feel and is symbolised by its winding streets, dark nooks and crannies, vaulted passages and romantic little squares. Here we will visit the erstwhile buildings of the Jewish Quarter, including the town hall, rabbi’s office, hospital, poorhouse and school. We will also visit the large Romanesque-Gothic Basilica of St Procopius, with its vaulted crypt and glorious rose window.
- VELEHRAD – the historical centre of the Great Moravian Empire known for its Romanesque Basilica, which was converted into the largest Baroque church in Moravia.
- BLATNICE – famous for its wine production, highly decorated national costumes and traditional way of life.
- BUCOVICE – Bučovice sits in the valley of the Litava River and is home to a Renaissance style Castle, which resembles an Italian palazzo. The castle was designed by Jacopo Strada for the Lords of Boskovice, and dates back to the late 1500s. Highlights include a charming arcaded courtyard with allegorical relief carvings by Elia Canavale and Antonio Silva, intricate stucco work, and a beautiful Mannerist fountain.