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 Olomouc, Czechia.
Introduction to Moravia
Moravia occupies most of the eastern third of the Czech Republic, with its landscape characterized by rolling hills, fertile valleys, and the Morava River basin. The region's geography is more diverse than Bohemia's. One of its most notable features is the Moravian Karst, a stunning karst landscape with over 1,000 caves.
Moravia is the heart of Czech wine production, responsible for 96% of the country's wine output. The region's wine culture is a significant part of its identity, with numerous wine cellars and vineyards dotting the landscape, particularly in South Moravia.
Moravia has been the birthplace of several influential figures in science and culture, including: Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, and Leoš Janáček, a renowned composer.
Attractions
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Western Moravia
| Jaroměřice Palace
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 Jaroměřice Palace, also known as Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou Chateau, is a magnificent Baroque complex often referred to as the "Moravian Versailles". Originally a Renaissance manor, it underwent extensive reconstruction between 1700 and 1737 under the Questenberg family. The palace boasts opulent interiors, including a wainscoted office with family portraits and frescoes. Its cultural significance stems from its rich musical heritage, as it was once a centre for the arts, housing a library, gallery, theatre, and its own musical ensemble. The chateau is surrounded by a French-style garden with sculptural decorations, which transitions into an English landscape park. Visitors can explore the palace through guided tours, including the adjacent Church of St Margaret with its unique fresco-decorated dome. The palace hosts various cultural events, including the Peter Dvorský International Music Festival, celebrating its musical legacy. |
| Vranov nad Dyjí Castle
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 Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory above the Dyje River, Vranov nad Dyjí Castle originated as a border fortress in 1100 and was transformed into a magnificent Baroque château in the late 17th century. The castle's centrepiece is the oval Hall of Ancestors, designed by architect Johann Fischer von Erlach, featuring statues by Tobias Kracker and ceiling frescoes by Johann Rottmayr. The complex includes a chapel with family tombs, historic furniture, and displays of locally produced earthenware from the renowned Vranov factory. The castle sits within Podyjí National Park, where visitors can explore meandering river paths, rock formations and the historic Šobes vineyard. The original medieval fortifications are still visible, including two prismatic towers and parts of the ramparts, whilst the Baroque reconstruction showcases a ceremonial courtyard with sculptured staircases depicting classical scenes. |
| Litomyšl Castle ※
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 Litomyšl Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture in Central Europe. Built in the late 16th century, the castle boasts impressive sgraffito decorations on its exterior and well-preserved Baroque and Neoclassical interiors. Visitors can explore the grand ceremonial rooms, private chambers, and an 18th-century theatre with original stage machinery. The castle complex includes a French-style garden, an English park, and ancillary buildings such as a brewery and stables. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the castle's connection to Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, who was born in the brewery building. The surrounding town of Litomyšl offers additional cultural attractions, including museums and annual music festivals. |
| Telč (Teltsch) ※
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Telč is a remarkably preserved medieval town with a triangular main square (Náměstí Zachariáše z Hradce) lined by Renaissance townhouses featuring ornate gables and arcades, all rebuilt in stone after a devastating fire in 1530. The town is encircled by three interconnected ponds that originally served for fish farming and defence, now offering scenic walks and boating opportunities. At the heart stands a 16th-century Renaissance château with Italian-style loggias, featuring the notable Golden Hall and African Hall with hunting trophies. The historic centre, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, includes underground passages beneath the square that visitors can tour, whilst the former steam sawmill houses the Muzeum Techniky, displaying historical vehicles and everyday objects. The 14th-century Panský dvůr estate serves as a cultural centre with a Museum of Agriculture demonstrating traditional crafts. |
| Jihlava
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 Jihlava, a historic city with over 200 preserved buildings, boasts a picturesque main square, Masarykovo náměstí, surrounded by colourful houses with medieval foundations. The city's underground system, the second largest in the Czech Republic, offers tours showcasing medieval mining and archaeological findings. Jihlava Zoo, home to over 200 exotic species, is a popular family attraction. The city's rich cultural heritage includes the birthplace of composer Gustav Mahler and hosts the International Documentary Film Festival annually. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Jihlava River valley and the surrounding wooded hills. The city's architecture spans various periods, from Gothic churches to Renaissance palaces and modern functionalist buildings, providing a diverse visual experience for visitors. |
| Třebíč (Trebitsch) (※)
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Třebíč is a historic town with one of Europe's best-preserved Jewish quarters, which, along with the Jewish Cemetery and the Romanesque-Gothic Basilica of St Prokopius, forms a UNESCO World Heritage site - notably the only Jewish UNESCO site outside Israel. The town grew around a Benedictine monastery established in 1101, which is now the Vysočina Museum housed in the former Wallenstein Chateau. Modern attractions include the Alternator Science Centre, featuring interactive exhibits and the unique Science on a Sphere display. The town is surrounded by pristine nature, offering hiking and cycling opportunities, whilst the Mohelenská hadcová steppe nature reserve lies nearby. The town centre features the third-largest town square in the Czech Republic, maintaining its old-world character whilst being less touristy than other Czech heritage towns.. |
| Podyjí National Park
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 Podyjí National Park, established in 1991, is the smallest national park in Czechia, featuring a remarkably preserved river valley along the Dyje (Thaya) River. The park boasts diverse landscapes, including rocky amphitheatres, cliffs, meanders, and heathlands adorned with thermophilic plants. Visitors can explore 42 kilometres of nearly uninhabited river valley, hike through marked trails, and marvel at attractions such as the Šobes Vineyard, one of Europe's top wine regions. The park is home to numerous rare species, including the black stork (the park's symbol), bats, and various butterflies. Historical sites within the park include the ruins of Nový Hrádek castle and remnants of the Iron Curtain, offering a glimpse into the area's past as a restricted zone during the Cold War era. |
| Znojmo
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Founded in the 12th century, Znojmo is a medieval town perched above the Dyje River, featuring the largest underground labyrinth system in Central Europe with 27 kilometres of tunnels built over 400 years. The town centre showcases well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture, including a 69-metre Gothic town hall tower and the 11th-century Rotunda of the Virgin Mary and St Catherine. The surrounding area encompasses Podyjí National Park, the most species-rich protected area in the Czech Republic, offering 76 kilometres of hiking trails through wooded landscapes and vineyards. The town is renowned for its winemaking tradition and houses several museums, including one with one of the largest collections of Asian weapons in the Czech Republic. |
| Slavonice (Zlabings)
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Slavonice is a charming Renaissance town with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The town centre boasts well-preserved 16th-century architecture, featuring stunning sgraffito-decorated buildings, the oldest of which dates to 1545. Two squares, separated by the Church of the Assumption and the town tower, form the heart of Slavonice. Visitors can explore a network of medieval underground passages beneath the squares. In recent years, Slavonice has become an artists' colony, attracting creative individuals and art enthusiasts. The town serves as an excellent base for cyclists and nature lovers, offering access to the surrounding countryside. Slavonice is also known for its ceramic arts and hosts various cultural events throughout the year. |
| Church of Saint John of Nepomuk ※
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 Perched atop Zelená hora (Green Hill), the Pilgrimage Church of Saint John of Nepomuk is a remarkable fusion of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, completed in 1727. The church's unique design by Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel is based on a five-pointed star layout, with the number five recurring throughout its architecture—five entrances, five chapels, and five altars—symbolising the five stars that allegedly appeared where Saint John drowned. The central church is encircled by a striking ten-pointed star-shaped cloister, and the interior features original furnishings, including the main altar depicting the celebration of Saint John in heaven. The building's mathematical precision and geometric symbolism were influenced by Kabbalistic beliefs, whilst its innovative architectural elements, such as tongue-shaped windows and the masterful use of light through strategically placed openings, earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994. |
Central Moravia
| Valtice Palace ※
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Valtice Palace, a magnificent Baroque residence, was the principal seat of the Liechtenstein family for nearly 700 years. The palace, completed in the early 18th century, boasts opulent interiors with Baroque and Rococo furnishings, a stunning chapel, and Spanish stables. Visitors can explore over 20 rooms on guided tours, including the newly renovated Princely Apartment of Franz I of Liechtenstein. The palace grounds feature a beautiful herb garden and a restored Baroque interactive theatre. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the National Wine Salon of the Czech Republic housed within the palace and the 15th-century wine cellar offering tastings. The surrounding Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes various architectural follies such as the Reistna Colonnade and the Rendez-vous hunting lodge. |
| Lednice Castle ※
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The Neo-Gothic Lednice Castle, originally a Gothic stronghold, was transformed into a stunning summer residence by the Liechtenstein family during the 17th-20th centuries. The castle is surrounded by one of Europe's largest artificial landscapes spanning 200 hectares, featuring a French garden and an English park with ponds and islands. Visitors can explore the castle's representative halls, princely apartments, and a puppet museum, whilst the surrounding parkland boasts remarkable architectural elements including a palm greenhouse, a Venetian fountain, a Roman aqueduct, a Chinese pavilion, and a unique minaret offering panoramic views. The castle and its cultural landscape earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996, and guests can experience the grounds through boat trips, horse-drawn carriage rides, and falconry displays. |
| Brno (Brünn) (※)
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Brno, the second-largest city in Czechia, boasts a rich history and vibrant culture. Its skyline is dominated by the Gothic spires of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, whilst the 13th-century Špilberk Castle offers panoramic views and houses a city museum. The city centre features the lively Zelný trh, a historic marketplace with underground labyrinths to explore. Brno's scientific legacy is celebrated at the Mendel Museum, honouring the father of genetics, and the VIDA! Science Centre provides hands-on exhibits. The city is renowned for its modernist architecture, exemplified by the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby Moravian Karst, a picturesque region of limestone caves and gorges. Brno's thriving arts scene is showcased in numerous galleries and at the Brno House of Arts, whilst its status as a university town ensures a lively atmosphere with numerous cafes, bars, and cultural events. |
| Mikulov (Nikolsburg)
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Mikulov, established in the 11th century, is a charming wine-growing town featuring a dominant 13th-century castle that now houses the Regional Museum. The town's well-preserved Jewish quarter, dating from the 15th century, includes a significant cemetery and medieval ritual bath (mikveh). The town centre showcases colourful historical architecture and the Baroque Holy Trinity Column from 1723. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Pálava Nature Reserve, which encompasses the town's surroundings, or visit the Turold Geopark featuring 17 types of rock specimens. The Holy Hill (Svatý kopeček), a protected nature reserve known for rare plant species and invertebrates including praying mantises, offers panoramic town views and hosts one of the oldest Ways of the Cross in the Czech lands. The town is particularly renowned for its viticulture traditions, evident in its numerous vineyards and wine festivals. |
| Pálava Protected Landscape Area ※
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 Pálava Protected Landscape Area is a UNESCO biosphere reserve renowned for its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The area features striking limestone hills, lush vineyards, and diverse ecosystems, making it a haven for rare plants and animals. Visitors can explore ancient ruins like Sirotčí hrádek and Dívčí hrady, or hike through picturesque trails offering panoramic views. The region boasts a rich prehistoric legacy, evidenced by the famous Venus of Dolní Věstonice statuette discovered here. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy local vintages in charming towns like Mikulov and Pavlov. Nature lovers will appreciate the varied landscapes, from steppe ecosystems and thermophilic oak forests to wetlands along the Dyje river, home to numerous bird species and European beavers. |
| Pernštejn Castle
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 This exceptionally well-preserved Gothic castle, founded between 1270 and 1285, stands atop a rocky hill and features a unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Known as the 'marble castle' due to its distinctive stone framing around doors and windows, Pernštejn has never been captured throughout its history thanks to its ingenious defence system of moats, drawbridges, and ramparts. The castle offers four distinct tours, including an architectural tour from cellars to roof timbers, and a liturgical tour featuring the Castle Chapel and Clock Tower. Notable features include the five-storey Barborka tower, a 15,000-volume library dating back to 1515, the Chinese Salon with blue and gold paintings, and the Knights' Hall with Renaissance vaults adorned with stuccowork and frescoes. Throughout the castle, visitors can spot the symbol of an aurochs' head with a ring through its nose, representing the powerful Pernštejn family who owned the castle until 1596. |
| Punkva Caves & Macocha Gorge
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The Punkva Caves and Macocha Gorge offer a unique underground experience in the Moravian Karst. Discovered between 1909 and 1933, the cave system features impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. Visitors can explore the caves on foot and by boat along the subterranean Punkva River. The highlight is the Macocha Abyss, a 138.5-metre-deep sinkhole with a dark blue lake at its bottom. The caves are part of the Amateur Cave system, the longest in the Czech Republic, stretching over 35 km. Tours last about an hour and include both dry and water sections, with the temperature inside the caves remaining a constant 7-8°C year-round. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. |
| Břeclav ※
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 Břeclav is a historic town of 25,000 inhabitants, situated at the intersection of Czech, Slovak and Austrian borders. The area features a remarkable Slavic archaeological site called Pohansko, which was an important centre of Great Moravia in the 9th century. The town's neo-Gothic castle, rebuilt in the 19th century by the Liechtenstein family, now serves as an observation tower. The Jewish heritage is preserved through a neo-Romanesque synagogue with Moorish elements, now housing the town museum, and a 17th-century cemetery. Břeclav lies within the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the Apollo Temple being a notable landmark. Nature enthusiasts can explore the surrounding riparian forests along the Thaya River, whilst the town serves as an excellent base for discovering the region's chateaus, including the nearby Lednice and Valtice. The town is also a major railway hub connecting Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava. |
Eastern Moravia
| Olomouc (Olmütz) |
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Olomouc, a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, boasts an impressive array of attractions. The UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column dominates the main square, alongside the Town Hall with its unique astronomical clock. The city's thousand-year history is evident in its well-preserved architecture, including the Gothic St. Wenceslas Cathedral and numerous Baroque fountains. Home to Palacký University, the second-oldest in the Czech Republic, Olomouc has a vibrant student population contributing to its lively atmosphere. The city offers several museums, including the Archdiocesan Museum showcasing centuries of art and the Regional Museum exploring local history and nature. Olomouc is also known for its parks, particularly Bezručovy Sady, which incorporates parts of the medieval city walls. For a taste of local culture, visitors can sample the city's famous pungent cheese, Olomoucké tvarůžky. |
| Bouzov Castle
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This romantic castle, founded in the early 14th century, features an imposing 58-metre watchtower, two functional drawbridges spanning a dry moat, and numerous towers and bastions. After extensive reconstruction from 1895 to 1910, it gained its current neo-Gothic appearance with battlements, loopholes and gargoyles. The fully furnished interiors showcase historical furniture, art objects and paintings, whilst the original Gothic armoury displays period weapons. A remarkable recent addition is the world's largest wooden Trojan horse, standing 15 metres tall and housing an art gallery and lookout point. The castle has served as a filming location for numerous fairy tales and features unique technical facilities, including historic heating and water distribution systems. Guided tours are available in Czech with printed guides in other languages, and the castle regularly hosts cultural events, concerts and exhibitions. |
| Kroměříž (Kremsier) (※)
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Kroměříž is a picturesque town renowned for its UNESCO-listed Gardens and Castle, a stunning example of Baroque architecture and landscape design. The castle, once the residence of the Bishops of Olomouc, houses an impressive art collection, including Titian's 'Flaying of Marsyas'. The town's two gardens, the formal Flower Garden and the expansive Castle Garden, showcase a blend of Italian Renaissance and French Baroque styles. Kroměříž's historical significance extends to 1848 when it hosted the Austrian Constituent Assembly, earning it the moniker 'Athens of Haná'. The town centre features charming pastel-coloured houses and several notable churches, including the Gothic Church of St. Maurice. Kroměříž also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with its castle library containing over 90,000 books, including manuscripts by Mozart and Beethoven. |
| Ostrava (Ostrau) (※)
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Ostrava, once a major coal mining and steel production centre, has transformed its industrial heritage into cultural spaces, most notably in the Lower Vítkovice district where former ironworks now host exhibitions and events. The city features several significant landmarks, including the New City Hall with its viewing tower offering panoramic vistas, the 13th-century Silesian Ostrava Castle, and the Landek Park Mining Museum—the largest mining museum in the Czech Republic. The city centre revolves around the historic Masaryk Square, whilst the Culture and Recreation Park provides green spaces with ponds and walking paths. For science enthusiasts, the city houses a modern planetarium and the Svet Techniky science museum with interactive exhibits. The local zoo spans 100 hectares and is home to 360 different species, whilst the Ostrava Museum, housed in the Old Town Hall, displays an impressive astronomical clock among its collections. |
| Štramberk (Stramberg)
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Štramberk, a picturesque town with a fairytale-like atmosphere, is renowned for its iconic Trúba tower, the remains of a 13th-century castle that offers panoramic views of the surrounding Beskydy Mountains. The town's main square is encircled by colourful, folksy timber buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. Štramberk is famous for its unique cone-shaped gingerbread cookies called 'Štramberk ears', a tradition dating back to a 13th-century Mongol invasion. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Šipka Cave, where a Neanderthal child's jawbone was discovered, whilst the Zdeněk Burian Museum showcases the work of the renowned palaeoartist who spent his formative years in the town. Visitors can also enjoy the local beer spa or hike to the nearby Bílá hora lookout tower for stunning views of the region. |
| Helfštýn Castle
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Helfštýn Castle, established in the 13th century and now the second-largest castle complex after Prague Castle, features six gates, four courtyards, and a recently renovated Renaissance palace with modern glass roofing and steel footbridges. The castle houses a remarkable collection of over 1,300 artistic blacksmith pieces in its basement exhibition, and hosts the annual Hefaiston international blacksmith gathering. Visitors can explore the castle's extensive fortification system, climb to observation platforms offering views of the Moravian Gate valley, and discover the legend of robber Helfried of Linva, the castle's supposed founder. The nearby attractions include the Hranice abyss, the world's deepest flooded cave, and the historical town of Lipník nad Bečvou with its preserved medieval walls and Jewish quarter. |
| Bitov Castle
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Bítov Castle, dating back to the 11th century, stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the Želetavka River. This medieval fortress boasts a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Neo-Gothic architectural styles, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of history. The castle houses a unique zoological collection, including the world's largest assortment of stuffed dogs, a legacy of its eccentric last private owner, Baron Haas. Visitors can explore the castle's armoury, prison, dungeon, and torture chamber, as well as admire the surrounding natural beauty of the Podyjí National Park. The castle grounds feature several pet cemeteries and follies, including a rotunda and the Love Lake. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the castle's theatre and the Empire-style carriage shed. For those interested in science, the castle's zoological exhibits showcase various exotic animals collected by the Daun family during their world travels. |
| Zlín
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Zlín transformed from a small village into a remarkable industrial city after Tomáš Baťa established his shoe workshop there in 1894. The city features distinctive functionalist architecture, most notably in the former Baťa factory complex, which now houses cultural institutions like the Museum of Southeast Moravia and the Regional Gallery of Fine Arts. The iconic 16-storey Baťa skyscraper (Building No. 21) remains a symbol of the city's industrial heritage, featuring a unique mobile office-in-lift. Cultural highlights include the Congress and University Centre designed by Eva Jiřičná, the Grand Cinema (currently closed), and the historic Zlín Chateau housing the Václav Chad Gallery. The city is also known for its film-making tradition, with studios dating back to the 1930s, and its connection to famous Czech travellers Jiří Hanzelka and Miroslav Zikmund. The urban landscape is characterised by red-brick buildings, standardised in a 6.15 x 6.15-metre grid pattern, whilst the surrounding area offers natural attractions. |
| Moravian Tuscany
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Moravian Tuscany, known locally as Moravské Toskánsko, is a picturesque region renowned for its rolling hills, expansive fields, and vineyards that bear a striking resemblance to the Italian landscape. The area encompasses several villages, including Šardice, Karlín na Moravě, and Svatobořice, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Photographers flock to capture the region's stunning vistas, particularly during the changing seasons when the fields display a vibrant palette of colours. Wine enthusiasts can explore numerous cellars and wineries, sampling local varieties and learning about the area's centuries-old winemaking traditions. The region also boasts historical sites such as the Augustinian Residence in Šardice, where visitors can admire traditional folk costumes and learn about local customs. |
| Sovinec Castle
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Built in the 14th century, Sovinec Castle sits atop a rocky promontory in the Nízký Jeseník Mountains, featuring one of the most extensive preserved fortification systems from the Thirty Years' War period. The castle evolved from a Gothic fortress to a Renaissance residence, though it fell to Swedish troops despite its massive defences. During World War II, it served as an SS base and prison, whilst later becoming a sanctuary for banned Czech artists during the normalisation period. Today, visitors can explore the castle's various chambers including the knight's hall, wine cellars, and torture chamber, or take a challenging tour of the Baroque fortifications with an 82-metre underground passage. The castle regularly hosts medieval fairs, exhibitions, and sword tournaments in its period setting, whilst its tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. |
Other attractions
Mohelno serpentine steppe nature reserve
Sky Bridge 721 - Dolní Morava: longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world (721m).
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Jaroměřice Palace, also known as Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou Chateau, is a magnificent Baroque complex often referred to as the "Moravian Versailles". Originally a Renaissance manor, it underwent extensive reconstruction between 1700 and 1737 under the Questenberg family. The palace boasts opulent interiors, including a wainscoted office with family portraits and frescoes. Its cultural significance stems from its rich musical heritage, as it was once a centre for the arts, housing a library, gallery, theatre, and its own musical ensemble. The chateau is surrounded by a French-style garden with sculptural decorations, which transitions into an English landscape park. Visitors can explore the palace through guided tours, including the adjacent Church of St Margaret with its unique fresco-decorated dome. The palace hosts various cultural events, including the Peter Dvorský International Music Festival, celebrating its musical legacy.
Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory above the Dyje River, Vranov nad Dyjí Castle originated as a border fortress in 1100 and was transformed into a magnificent Baroque château in the late 17th century. The castle's centrepiece is the oval Hall of Ancestors, designed by architect Johann Fischer von Erlach, featuring statues by Tobias Kracker and ceiling frescoes by Johann Rottmayr. The complex includes a chapel with family tombs, historic furniture, and displays of locally produced earthenware from the renowned Vranov factory. The castle sits within Podyjí National Park, where visitors can explore meandering river paths, rock formations and the historic Šobes vineyard. The original medieval fortifications are still visible, including two prismatic towers and parts of the ramparts, whilst the Baroque reconstruction showcases a ceremonial courtyard with sculptured staircases depicting classical scenes.
Litomyšl Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture in Central Europe. Built in the late 16th century, the castle boasts impressive sgraffito decorations on its exterior and well-preserved Baroque and Neoclassical interiors. Visitors can explore the grand ceremonial rooms, private chambers, and an 18th-century theatre with original stage machinery. The castle complex includes a French-style garden, an English park, and ancillary buildings such as a brewery and stables. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the castle's connection to Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, who was born in the brewery building. The surrounding town of Litomyšl offers additional cultural attractions, including museums and annual music festivals.
Jihlava, a historic city with over 200 preserved buildings, boasts a picturesque main square, Masarykovo náměstí, surrounded by colourful houses with medieval foundations. The city's underground system, the second largest in the Czech Republic, offers tours showcasing medieval mining and archaeological findings. Jihlava Zoo, home to over 200 exotic species, is a popular family attraction. The city's rich cultural heritage includes the birthplace of composer Gustav Mahler and hosts the International Documentary Film Festival annually. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Jihlava River valley and the surrounding wooded hills. The city's architecture spans various periods, from Gothic churches to Renaissance palaces and modern functionalist buildings, providing a diverse visual experience for visitors.
Perched atop Zelená hora (Green Hill), the Pilgrimage Church of Saint John of Nepomuk is a remarkable fusion of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, completed in 1727. The church's unique design by Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel is based on a five-pointed star layout, with the number five recurring throughout its architecture—five entrances, five chapels, and five altars—symbolising the five stars that allegedly appeared where Saint John drowned. The central church is encircled by a striking ten-pointed star-shaped cloister, and the interior features original furnishings, including the main altar depicting the celebration of Saint John in heaven. The building's mathematical precision and geometric symbolism were influenced by Kabbalistic beliefs, whilst its innovative architectural elements, such as tongue-shaped windows and the masterful use of light through strategically placed openings, earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994.
This exceptionally well-preserved Gothic castle, founded between 1270 and 1285, stands atop a rocky hill and features a unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Known as the 'marble castle' due to its distinctive stone framing around doors and windows, Pernštejn has never been captured throughout its history thanks to its ingenious defence system of moats, drawbridges, and ramparts. The castle offers four distinct tours, including an architectural tour from cellars to roof timbers, and a liturgical tour featuring the Castle Chapel and Clock Tower. Notable features include the five-storey Barborka tower, a 15,000-volume library dating back to 1515, the Chinese Salon with blue and gold paintings, and the Knights' Hall with Renaissance vaults adorned with stuccowork and frescoes. Throughout the castle, visitors can spot the symbol of an aurochs' head with a ring through its nose, representing the powerful Pernštejn family who owned the castle until 1596.
Břeclav is a historic town of 25,000 inhabitants, situated at the intersection of Czech, Slovak and Austrian borders. The area features a remarkable Slavic archaeological site called Pohansko, which was an important centre of Great Moravia in the 9th century. The town's neo-Gothic castle, rebuilt in the 19th century by the Liechtenstein family, now serves as an observation tower. The Jewish heritage is preserved through a neo-Romanesque synagogue with Moorish elements, now housing the town museum, and a 17th-century cemetery. Břeclav lies within the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the Apollo Temple being a notable landmark. Nature enthusiasts can explore the surrounding riparian forests along the Thaya River, whilst the town serves as an excellent base for discovering the region's chateaus, including the nearby Lednice and Valtice. The town is also a major railway hub connecting Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava.
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