Wine shop at the chateau

The beautiful Lednice-Valtice Complex in South Moravia, which has been skilfully “decorated” by a number of stunning buildings and vast parks, has featured on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list since 1996. The splendour of the castles touches many a romantic soul, the numerous cycling trails will please sporty types and nature lovers and wine enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic. The Lednice-Valtice Complex is considered to be the largest landscaped area in Europe and it is a must-see for any visitor.

The heritage of the Lichtenstein noble family

The Lichtenstein family is one of the oldest and wealthiest Austrian noble families. Legend has it, however, that the forefather of the Lichtensteins was a poor miner who managed to earn a modest living by his hard work. Once, while he was digging deep under the ground, a fairy appeared who took him to the end of a long forgotten mine shaft and said: “Dig here” before disappearing. The miner set about the work and after a while a stone broke loose from the rock which started to sparkle in the palm of his hand. That is why the family came to be known as Lichtenstein (from German – licht = light, stein = stone).

Architectural and natural features

It was the Lichtenstein family who spent centuries developing the Lednice-Valtice Complex which is a collection of fascinating buildings. Among the most attractive and spectacular are Lednice Castle, the Minaret viewing-tower and Valtice Castle (pictured above). There are many smaller buildings and castles well worth visiting such as Rybnicni, Pohansko, Hranicni, Hunting, Belveder and Lany, temples including Apollon´s, Tri Gracie, Rendezvous and Reistna, the forest chapel of St Hubert, the imperial-style farm steading Novy dvur, the John´s Castle ruin, the Moorish Waterworks, the Aqueduct and many others.

The entrance gate

The town of Breclav is the entrance gate to the Lednice-Valtice Complex. The town was named after the prince Bretislav who built a castle here in the 11th Century. The town is located on the River Dyje close to the borders with Austria and Slovakia. If you travel to Breclav on the train from Austria you can enjoy the route which the first train ever to enter the Czech lands took back in 1893. Breclav, which is also known as the heart of the Podluzi Region, has a rich folklore. A number of events featuring performers in traditional folk costumes take place throughout the summer and culminate at the end of September with the traditional St Wenceslas Festival celebrating the wine harvest.

Valtice Castle and the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic

This architectural gem was originally built as a renaissance castle but was later re-built in the baroque style. It has more than 100 rooms and 17 are accessible to the public. Visitors can learn about the life of the nobility in the 17th and 18th centuries. The castle cellars are home to the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic where visitors can taste the 100 best Czech wines rated in a national competition. There is also a permanent exposition exploring wine and the wine growing regions of the Czech Republic.

Lednice Castle and the botanical garden

You will feel as if you are travelling back in time as you explore the interior of this spectacular building. You should not forget to pay a visit to the large green-house which is attached to the right side of the castle and houses numerous species of exotic plants. In its time the green-house was a technically very advanced building and is still classified as a technical sight today. Tropical and sub-tropical plans were imported from South America and they have been planted in such a way that there are plants in bloom throughout the year.

Lednice-Valtice Complex gave birth to the pencil

Josef Hardtmuth was a court architect of the Lichtenstein family. He used graphite to draw plans and sketches. He hated the fact that his hands were dirty all day long so he was constantly thinking of how to wrap the graphite up in a piece of wood. Eventually he came up with the pencil as we know it today which prevents one’s hands getting dirty and doesn’t break all the time. He acquired a patent for this invention in 1802 and started manufacturing the product in Lednice.

Lichtenstein Paths

The so-called Lichtenstein Paths are a unique complex of cycling trails connecting the most beautiful sights in the Lednice-Valtice Complex and Lower Austria. It comprises five cycling trails altogether marked by the Lichtenstein coat-of-arms: Knizeci (31 km), Breclavska (13,5 km), Postorenska (11,5 km), Lednicka (18 km) and Valticka (24 km). Whichever one you choose you won´t be disappointed.

This year, the Czech Republic celebrates the 20th anniversary of the incorporation of its first monuments on the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Come and discover 12 true “jewels of the world”.

Historic Prague

There is a reason why Prague is often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with an unequalled charm. And how could it not be, as it is interwoven with a plethora of myths, legends and stories passed on over centuries. Here you will find exceptional monuments of all architectural styles. The Old New Synagogue, St. Agnes Convent and Prague Castle, including the St. Vitus Cathedral, are all worth seeing. During the summer tourist season, you will surely be charmed by Prague Castle’s freely accessible gardens. Nor should you forget to visit one of the taverns of Old Prague to quench your thirst with a pint of excellent Czech beer.

Functionalist Brno

Following extensive renovations, as from this February the Tugendhat Villa – a gem of international functionalist architecture – is once again one of the main tourist attractions in the city of Brno. In addition to the main living quarters, you also will be able to tour the truly unique technical floor featuring the air conditioning engine room, a moth-free room for fur cloaks, and servants’ apartments. The outlying garden also underwent a complete revitalisation, offering an attractive view of the city and its many other tourist attractions.

Ecclesiastical Olomouc

For church tourism enthusiasts in particular, we recommend a visit to Olomouc, where, among other sites, you can see the Holy Trinity Column. It is an exceptional piece in the context of European baroque architectural and sculptural works – unique for its height, decorations and combination of materials. Some sculptural decorations are from stone, while others from gilded copper. A small chapel is hidden inside the column. When you are standing in front of this monument and admire its majesty with your own eyes, it will surely take your breath away.

Fairy-tale Český Krumlov

In this small town in South Bohemia, you will feel as if you have entered a fairy tale. The extensive chateau complex and unique medieval town houses will invite you to wander through streets filled with romantic nooks where many galleries and taverns can be found. In the chateau park, you will discover a theatrical rarity – a revolving auditorium. Or perhaps you may be tempted by a raft ride along the Vltava River winding below the city walls and offering an entirely different view of the town.

Rural Holašovice

Whosoever has some connection with the countryside must include the village of Holašovice on their visit to the Czech Republic. Located in the picturesque landscape of South Bohemia 18 kilometres from the city of České Budějovice, its spacious rectangular central square features 23 protected heritage medieval farmhouses with a total of 120 buildings connected by enclosing walls with gates and arched entrances. Together they represent the most important monument of the so-called “rustic baroque”. If you come here between 20 and 22 July, you can even attend traditional rural festivities whose atmosphere will take you back several hundreds of years.

Flowering Kroměříž

This town, referred to as the Athens of Haná, offers many interesting sites in a small area. The largest attraction is the Archiepiscopal Chateau with its outlying Flower Garden. The unparalleled beauty created by the combinations of colours will persuade you that gardening is not only a beautiful craft, but can also be an important art form. During 3–6 May, the chateau will hold the traditional Days of the Estates, when tours of the historic halls will be enlivened by firefighters, gamekeepers and soldiers who will tell you share with you information you would not otherwise know about the chateau of Kroměříž!

Silver Kutná Hora

With its history of silver mining and coin minting, this city has since long ago been called the silver treasury of the Kingdom of Bohemia. The city is dominated by a church dedicated to the patron of miners, St. Barbara, constructed over the course of more than 500 years. A visit to the Czech Silver Museum will provide you a wealth of interesting information, and for a time you can even experience life as a mining gnome.

Romantic Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape

This landscape area has been connected with the house of Lichtenstein for centuries, as they invested a fortune into the formation of this cultural landscape. At the Valtice and Lednice chateaus you can tour luxurious interiors and wander through extensive parks. You also will certainly be enticed by a romantic cycling trip to its slightly less grand structures, such as the Temple of the Three Graces, Jan’s Castle and the Obelisk. Valtice to this day hides a treasure in its cellars – the Wine Salon, with some of the best wines from the Czech Republic. Likewise, Lednice holds the international competition of ice and straw wines.

Musical Litomyšl

The city’s dominant feature is the Renaissance chateau with over eight hundred sgraffiti. When you see this jewel, you will surely be tempted to stroll the historic streets ending in the Cloister Gardens. There, you can have a rest and remember the local-born Czech composer, Bedřich Smetana, in whose memory a musical festival is held here every year.

Picturesque Telč

You will surely fall in love with this town as soon as you take a tour through the downtown. The burghers’ houses were constructed according to an integrated plan, so their arcades and facades form a resplendent unified whole. Moreover, a tour of the Renaissance chateau with the nearby park offers you an unforgettable experience. Telč is located in the south-western tip of Moravia, halfway between Prague and Vienna, and it should definitely not escape your attention during your visit of the Czech Republic.

Mysterious Třebíč

In Třebíč, a unique former Jewish ghetto has been preserved that is among the important centres of Jewish culture in Moravia. You can best come to know the city’s atmosphere by taking a walk through the crooked alleys with their mysterious passages and nooks. Another precious monument in this city is the three-nave St. Procopius’ Basilica which is a distinctive example of the Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.

Santini’s Žďár nad Sázavou

The pilgrimage St. John of Nepomuk’s church on Green Mountain is among the true jewels of the city and entire Czech Republic. It was built by one of the greatest architects of the Czech baroque, Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. This edifice especially stands out when seen from a bird’s eye view. The walls around the church area trace the shape of a ten-pointed star, while the church itself was built in the shape of a five-pointed star. You can admire additional historic buildings as well as modern buildings of contemporary architecture if you follow the Santini bike trail through the beautiful landscape of the Bohemian–Moravian Highlands.

Welcome to the Majestic Prague Castle!

Prague Castle: a majestic complex of buildings surrounding three courtyards, the Old Royal Palace hosting a permanent exhibition called “The Story of the Prague Castle”, St. George's Basilica and St. George's Monastery, with a part of the National Gallery, the romantic Golden Lane, towers called Mihulka and Daliborka, the Riding School, Ball Game Hall and other remarkable places. When visiting Prague Castle you can have a rest in the castle gardens, featuring countless interesting places such as Queen Ann's Summer Residence called Belvedere, the Ball Game Hall or the former Lion Court of King Rudolf II. Gardens situated at the southern part of the complex - “Rajská”, “Na Valech” and “Hartigovská” - offer a wonderful view of the historical centre and Lesser Town palace gardens. Of course we must not forget to mention Prague Castle's dominant feature, with its typical spires welcoming tourists from far away: St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral, treasuring the Czech Crown Jewels.

Treasured Crown Jewels

No ordinary mortal can access the secret hall holding the Czech Crown Jewels. However, there is a place where you can see them and admire all the subtle details. That is Karlštejn, a castle rising above the river Berounka that was founded in the 14^th century by the Czech king and Roman emperor Charles IV precisely for storing the crown jewels and holy relics. Guided tours will take you to the Royal Palace, Treasury and Jewel Hall, the place where you will also find St. Wenceslas’ crown. Be sure to visit the Great Tower with the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Its unique ornamental interior, decorated in gold and precious stones and 129 panel paintings by Master Theodoric, dating back to the 14^th century is unmatched in Europe.

A similar precious jewel such as the Crown Jewels, however a larger one, can be found in a castle and chateau in Bečov nad Teplou. In 1985 a tremendously precious Romanesque relic case was discovered there under the floor of the chapel: St. Maurus Reliquary. The wonderful artistic work is a unique object of world renown probably created in the early 13th century in the Belgian town of Florennes. You can admire the reliquary taking a special guided tour rounded off by the display if the precious original object is in the vault.

Czech Treasure Labelled by UNESCO

However, there are many more jewels to be found in the Czech Republic: its chateaux and castles included in UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list. There are several UNESCO sights that you can visit in the Czech Republic. If you come to the South Bohemian town of Český Krumlov and visit its chateau and castle, don't forget to visit the baroque theatre, too. It was ceremoniously opened in 1766 and survived in the original state, including stage equipment, set pieces, costumes and decorations.

Another UNESCO site is the South Moravian town of Telč. Its beautiful main square (Zachariáš z Hradce Square), fringed by burgher houses with arcades and ornamental gables, has a unique fairytale atmosphere. The western part of the square features a remarkable chateau, often referred to as the jewel of Renaissance architecture. A guided tour will take you to its presentable halls with preserved diamond vaults, coffered ceilings and original ornamental decorations.

Lovers of Renaissance will enjoy the chateau of Litomyšl with a beautiful arcade courtyard. Its walls and chimneys are decorated with sgraffiti consisting of eight thousand envelopes and considered one of the most beautiful examples of sgraffiti to be found in Central Europe. And again, there is a rare chateau theatre featuring unique set pieces and decorations. Climbing the chateau tower and descending to its cellars will be worth the effort! The Archbishop's Palace in Kroměříž is also listed by UNESCO and can boast its “Podzámecká” and “Květná” gardens. A baroque chateau in Valtice, the neogothic chateau of Lednice, the artificial castle ruin of Janohrad and a hunting summer residence called Rendez-vous, resembling a Roman triumphal arch: these are the main attractions of the Lednice-Valtice complex. This area is nicknamed “The Garden of Europe” and was listed by UNESCO as one of the largest artificial landscapes in Europe.

Fairytale Chateaux and Castles of the Czech Republic

However, there are destinations other than the crowded UNESCO sights that regularly rank among the top Czech chateaux and castles in many surveys. One of them is Bouzov Castle. Even though its look as we know it today was designed by the Order of Teutonic Knights at the turn of the 19^th and 20^th centuries, it is considered an example of a genuine fairytale castle by many visitors. It’s no wonder it is loved by film makers and has featured in a number of fairytale movies.

The chateau of Hradec nad Moravicí also looks like a fairytale manor, with its Empire-style White Chateau, pseudo-gothic Red Chateau with White Tower and a vast park. When taking a guided tour you will hear many famous names such as L. van Beethoven, W. A. Mozart, N. Paganini and F. Liszt who stayed there as guests.

The Buchlov castle dominates the mountain range of Chřiby and is one of the oldest and largest medieval castles in Moravia. It boasts period interior and displays collections of curiosities, vast natural and Egyptology collections. A room displaying a mummy and the view of the castle tower are some of the greatest experiences you can look forward to.

The Lednice-Valtice complex is known as the Garden of Europe. It is probably the most extensive landscaped area in the world, recorded among the UNESCO monuments. Apart from the residences of the Liechtenstein family in Lednice and in Valtice, other follies can be found here, for example chapels, colonnades, man-made ruins and a victory arch.

Whereas Lednice Chateau modified in a neo-Gothic style served as a representative summer residence, the family residence was the Baroque Chateau in Valtice. The Baroque and Rococo fittings of the interiors provide some idea of how wealthy aristocrats lived in the 17th and 18th century. However, the Lednice-Valtice complex also offers other interesting places, for example a tour of the man-made ruins known as Janohrad, The Temple of Apollo, the lookout Minaret in the Lednice chateau park or the Temple of Diana in the form of a victory arch.

Lednice Chateau is the most-visited monument building in Moravia. The last reconstruction work in the middle of the 19th century gave it the appearance of a Romantic neo-Gothic palace surrounded by an extensive park. Other attractions here include the unique chateau greenhouse, boat trips, delicious wine and procedures in the new Lednice Spa.

You should also not let the imposing Mikulov Chateau escape your attention with its several museum exhibitions. A rarity here is constituted by the cellars with their wine presses and a giant barrel.

What you have to see…

Lednice Chateau – an aristocratic residence in the style of the English Tudor neo-Gothic, the one-time residence of the Liechtenstein family. Apart from the representative interiors, you can also visit a man-made dripstone cave with an exhibition of monsters, and the Malawi aquarium can be found in the Baroque stables. The chateau is surrounded by a decorative garden with historical greenhouse and English park with a lookout Minaret and the man-made ruins of Janohrad are located nearby.

Valtice Chateau – the Baroque residence of the Liechtenstein family. The cour d’honneur with riding hall is one of the most beautiful buildings of its kind in the whole of the Czech Republic. The chateau cellars are home to the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic exhibition of degustation.

The Temple of Apollo near Lednice – this temple to the god of the sun, located above Mlýnský fishpond, dates back to 1817 and is the work of the architect J. Kornhäusel. In the centre of the terrace held up by Doric columns, is a semicircular alcove with a relief of the god Apollo on a sun chariot.

Reistna Colonnade – a monumental Classicist building located above Valtice, decorated with figures from ancient mythology. A view opens up from the roof terrace onto three countries – Moravia, Austria and Slovakia.

Other follies in the Lednice-Valtice complex – Border Chateau (a Classicist building on the historical border of Moravia and Lower Austria), Fishpond Chateau (the first biological research station in Moravia was created here in 1926), Temple of the Three Graces (a Classicist covered colonnade with sculptural group of ancient goddesses, sculpted from a single lump of stone), Chapel of St. Hubert (a neo-Gothic chapel in the middle of a forest clearing), Temple of Diana otherwise known as Rendez-vous (a monumental building in the form of a Roman victory arch with interiors open to the public).

Mikulov – a town with a Baroque chateau, many burgher houses and valuable collection of Jewish monuments, the Church of St. Anne, one of the oldest loretas in the Czech lands (1623), was rebuilt into the tomb of the Lords of Dietrichstein. Stations of the Cross lead from the town to Svatý Kopeček with the Church of St. Sebastian.

Did you know that…

Only in Valtice can you visit Wine Salon of the Czech Republic

No lover of wine should miss out on a visit to the monumental chateau in Valtice. This is to say that the period chateau cellars are home to Wine Salon, a permanent degustation exhibition with hundreds of the best Moravian and Bohemian wines.

The collection is selected every year in terms of the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic competition. Wines entered into the Salon competition may only be made from domestic grapes and must undergo a system of nomination exhibitions. Hundreds of wines thus every year gain the right to mark their bottles with “Wine Salon of the Czech Republic” and gain a place of honour in the exhibition. During the tour, you can individually taste all of the exhibited samples or choose one of the degustation programmes guided by a sommelier.