The Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area was established on 3rd November 1980 across the districts of Hodonín, Uherské Hradiště and Zlín. Thanks to its unique extensive meadows, Bílé Karpaty ranks among Europe’s most valuable grassland biotopes. Here you’ll find thousands of hectares of flower-rich meadows with the richest occurrence of orchids. These diverse meadows are complemented by old orchards and fertile fields. The villages have preserved their folk architecture and folklore. Nature here represents the harmonious coexistence of humans and the natural world. Discover the beauty surrounding the spa town of Luhačovice and set out to explore the most famous monuments of this area. Several historical and cultural highlights await you.
The first stop you can make without venturing far is located around Lázeňské náměstí (Spa Square) in Luhačovice. Dušan Jurkovič’s buildings give the town its picturesque character and are an inseparable part of spa life. He created a unique collection of buildings that accompany guests on their walks through the pedestrian zone. You can admire the most famous building – Jurkovič House. The Sun and River Baths once served as a place of rest during summer days. Villa Chaloupka, Valaška, Jestřabí and many others. You can combine your walk with a visit to the mineral healing springs. Both Ottovka and Vincentka are located near all the buildings you mustn’t forget to visit.
The village of Žítková came to visitors’ attention thanks to writer Kateřina Tučková. It was here that one of the last Žítková goddesses lived until 2001. This small village nestles in the hills of Bílé Karpaty. In the past, it was severely affected by Tatar and Turkish raids. Until 1948, there was no electricity here. Perhaps people endured life’s hardships only thanks to the picturesque landscape that stretches all around. Žítková lies in the Moravská Kopanice area, which became famous mainly for agriculture. A collection of original houses can still be seen in the village today. Here lived women gifted with exceptional abilities in the past. It is said that they could not only heal using medicinal herbs, but also find lost or stolen items. They were also sought after as protection against the evil eye.
The windmill is located in the Horňácko region. Here you can view an exhibition of miller’s life. The mill itself is one of the few preserved windmills of the so-called Dutch type. This brick mill with a rotating roof dates from 1842. For more than a hundred years, it served farmers from Kuželov, Hrubá Vrbka and other villages. In 1946, its operation ceased completely. The mill has been reconstructed and renovated. Today, an exhibition of Horňácko living is housed in the adjacent residential and farm buildings. A collection of agricultural tools and equipment documenting traditional agricultural production methods is displayed here. The exhibition also includes a demonstration of various tools used for maintaining the mill’s machinery, which was usually carried out by the miller himself.
Also frequently visited is Nový Světlov Castle in Bojkovice. It replaced the original seat of the local lords, Starý Světlov. You can visit the Romanesque castle ruins in Brumov. You can discover the beauty of the Strážnice area along the Šumárnická nature trail, which leads towards Horňácko. Here, near the village of Javorník, lies the valuable meadow reserve Jazevčí.
