In the surroundings of Brno, you will find very impressive natural and cultural monuments, for example, Moravsky Kras (Moravian Karst) and the chateaux at Lednice, Valtice and Boskovice.

Moravsky Kras

Among the most unique natural displays is Moravsky Kras. Moravsky kras is located about 30 km from Brno in Blanensko. It is one of the most beautiful karst regions in the Czech Republic. Four caves are open to visitors: Punkevni jeskyne (Punkva Cave), which is part of the longest cave system in the Czech Republic with the underground Punkva brook; also here is the Macocha abyss, 138.5 m deep; Katerinska jeskyne (Katherine Cave), which is famous for its unique limestone ornamentation; Jeskyne Balcarka (Balcarka Cave), which is bi-level and has articulated passageways linked by chimneys; and the Sloupsko-Sosuvske jeskyne (Sloupsko-Sosuvske Caves), which are the richest deposit sites for the bones of cave fauna.

Lednice and Valtice

Among the most interesting cultural monuments in the vicinity of Brno are the picturesque surroundings of Breclav between the villages of Lednice and Valtice, called the Lednicko-Valticky area, representing an area of unique landscape and natural formations. The Lednice chateau has undergone several reconstructions over the years, of which the most recent was in the neo-gothic historicized style in 1846 – 1856, and is the work of the Viennese architect Jiri Wingmüller. The chateau complex of Lednice, with its eight wings, four courtyards, and two towers, is surrounded by an extensive French and English park with two ponds and an almost 60-metre tall minaret. The Valtice chateau is located in the south of the Lednicko-valticky area. It was built near the former medieval castle, rebuilt into a renaissance chateau during the rule of the Lichtenstejn family. Valtice became primarily a family residence built with the participation of the leading architects of the age. Its current appearance, however, originated from the Austrian baroque architect J. B. Fischer of Erlach.

Boskovice

Another very popular place for outings is Boskovice. Boskovice has been considered a city since the 2^nd half of the 18^th century. On the steep slopes above the city is one of the most romantic Moravian ruins of Boskovice. The castle was founded apparently at the end of the 13^th century as the family residence of the powerful Lords of Boskovice. The Boskovice estate was last acquired by the Dietrichstein family, which no longer used the castle due to its poor accessibility. Founded more recently is another residence – the elegant empire chateau.

Slavkov near by Brno

Slavkov lies east of Brno in the direction of Olomouc.

Slavkov chateau

The baroque chateau in Slavkov is the original family residence of a branch of the Kounitz family and together with the park it forms the main landmark of the town. A sightseeing circuit consists of the chateau gallery of paintings, an exhibition of the Napoleonic wars and the Czech lands, including occasional exhibitions.

Mound of Peace

This memorial was built on the site of the bloody battle of the „Three Emperors,“ which took place on 2 December 1805 near Slavkov, famous under the name Austerlitz. The battle of Slavkov was one of the greatest victories of Emperor Napoleon I. The Mohyla miru on the Slavkov battlefield was built according to the design of J. Fanta in 1910-1912.

Straznice open air museum

The Straznice open-air museum is located about 15 km to the northeast of the city of Hodonin. Construction on it began in 1973. In total, 65 buildings are located here. The exhibition introduces visitors to the way of life and housing of people including cultivation of grapes from the oldest eras through to the present. Also impossible not to mention is the oldest and most famous folklore festival in the Czech Republic.

Moravsky Krumlov - Alfons Mucha and the Slovanska epopej (Slavic Epoch)

Open for viewing in the chateau in Moravsky Krumlov is the monumental creative work on the history of Slavs – „Slovanska epopej“ (The Slavic Epoch). The author is the famous secessionist painter Alfons Maria Mucha, who was born in Ivancice, near Moravsky Krumlov. His 20 paintings, to which he devoted the second half of his life, are certainly worth seeing.

Moravian wine cellars

During outings from Brno, it is impossible to miss the many Moravian wine cellars in the vicinity of Breclav, Znojmo, Hodonin and other small Moravian towns, where visits may be arranged combined with traditional refreshments and tasting of Moravian wines. Information about specific wine cellars and organizing visits can be obtained upon request at the business department of Bobycentrum.