Surroundings, Brno
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Related Attractions
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Church of The Birth of the Virgin at Krtiny, Krtiny, Czech Republic
This pleasant village of Krtiny is known primarily for the white church on the hill called the Birth of the Virgin at Krtiny. Religious pilgrims from around the world have come here over the centuries to visit the 15th Century statue of the benevolent virgin.The Birth of the Virgin at Krtiny Church is of Baroque styling and was built in the first half of the 18th Century. The plans for the church and the large dome were created by the baroque architect Giovani B. Santini.The interior of the church remains intact from the days when it was built. Of note are murals by Johann J. Etgens along with the painting on the high alter by Joseph Winterhalder. Also worth a look are the carved wooden ornaments by Andreas Schweigl and the Stations of the Cross by Jesuit painter Ignaz Raab.
Mikulov, Czech Republic
The town of Mikulov has several varied attractions of interest to visitors. The first is Dietrichstein castle. This castle has an explosive past, having been completely blown up in 1945 by the Nazis. It was subsequently rebuilt in its original design. Tours are available and of note are the castle cellars.While wandering around Mikulov, be sure to check out the 15th Century Church of St Wenceslas of Mikulov. This church has an interesting belfry and an interior done up in the Rococo style. For those with a macabre interest in Renaissance coffin carving, stop in at the Church of St Anna. Inside you will find the mausoleum of the Dietrichstiens containing 44 coffins for your viewing pleasure. The Church is easily located and identified by its façade done up in the 1840s.
Slavkov U Brna, Czech Republic
For history buffs interested in the Napoleonic wars, Slavkov U Brna is of great importance. It is here that Napoleon literally destroyed his enemies, the Austrians and Russians, at the battle of Austerlitz. This December 2, 1805 battle, also known as the Battle of Three Emperors, is marked with a series of sites in between Brno and Slavkov U Brna. One of the most important sites is at the top of Pratzen Hill. Here visitors will find the Monument of Peace designed by Josef Fanta. This monument was commissioned in 1912 by the three countries involved in the battle.A museum nearby gives the fascinating history of this crucial battle and is well worth a visit to give a perspective of what went on across these pleasant hills so many years ago and how it changed history significantly in the 19th Century.
Slavkov Castle
Building of the Slavkov Castle started in the very early 18th Century and took over 60 years to complete. The castle was designed by Domenico Martinelli for the Kaunitz family. A majority of the sculpture work was done by Goivanni Giuliani and the interiors and frescoes were done by Andrey Lanzani along with Santino Bussi. The central hall and the chapel have interesting paintings by the artist J Pichler dating from the 1760s.Slavkov Castle is done up in baroque style and the castle's main claim to fame is that Napoleon stayed here. Many of the rooms have exhibits on Napoleon and the Battle of Austerlitz.
Abbey of Porta Coeli, Tisnov, Czech Republic
The town of Tisnov is known primarily for the Abbey of Porta Coeli, which is located nearby. The abbey is currently in somewhat of a state of disrepair. However, this is changing as rotating work groups of volunteers come to Tisnov to undertake the required renovations. The quality and quantity of volunteer work leads some people to state that the Abbey has a look of "over restoration".The Abbey of Porta Coeli was founded in 1233 and is built in the Romanesque style. The key sight to see is the west side portal. Also of interest are the cloisters, which boast of fine carving and craftsmanship. The Abbey of Porta Coeli is located 24km / 15mi north of Brno.
Pernstejn Castle
With its stunning location atop a craggy spur, it is no mistake that Pernstejn castle has been used as a stand in for fairytale castle in multiple movies. Originally built as a fortress in the 13th Century, the castle was never conquered. Over time and with various owners, it has evolved into its present form of a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles.Some of the highlights of the castle shown on the 80 minute tour are the wooden bridge that visitors must cross to enter one of the keeps. Those afraid of heights may find this crossing this bridge somewhat scary as the drop from this bridge would undoubtedly be fatal.Other areas of interest in the castle are the library with more than 6000 titles, the baroque Knight's Hall with its stucco swags, and the Hall of Conspirators with neo Gothic furnishings.A restaurant and lounge are located between one set of defensive walls, probably not what the original designers had in mind.
Valtice Chateau
The chateau of Valtice, sometimes referred to as the castle of Valtice, was built on the site of a 12 Century castle. The current state of this baroque chateau is the result of building done in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Beautiful parks surround the chateau which is today used as a hotel, although some parts of the building are accessible to the public. The Valtice Chateau along with the nearby Lednice Chateau is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape.Note that the interior, which was once richly furnished, was stripped of its possessions at the end of the Second World War. Consequently some rooms are only partially furnished.
Chateau, Lednice
Lednice, not far from Valtice, is home to a neo-Gothic style chateau that, like Valtice, was owned by the Liechtenstein family. Lednice and Valtice together are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape. The Liechtenstein family had the Lednice chateau rebuilt in the 19th Century. One of the impressive pieces of the chateau is the park like setting and gardens, which surrounds the building. It is possible to tour the chateau and visit the grounds.The Lednice chateau was confiscated at the end of the Second World War when the family was accused of working with the Germans. The family is currently working to obtain the chateau once again.
Castle, Moravsky Krumlov, Czech Republic
If you are not totally overwhelmed by the castles of Southern Moravia, on your way between Znojmo and Brno be sure to stop in at Moravsky Krumlov. Here you will find Moravsky Krumlov designed by Leonardus Garus de Bizono. The castle is noteworthy for its colonnaded interior courtyard and for the gallery dedicated to Alfons Mucha.One complete wing of the castle is dedicated to showcasing his works. Works of note are his art nouveau posters and his historical paintings known as the "Slav Epic". Also on display in the gallery are 20 major works by Slovanska Epopej.
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