Discover Želešice

Želešice brings together architectural heritage, landscape art and the history of fruit growing. Gothic and Baroque landmarks, the sculpture “Mezi zemí a nebem,” and the Bobrava River with its protected lower valley offer a range of cultural and natural themes for a stay.

Želešice facts at a glance

• The Městský dům at 24. dubna 76 is a protected cultural monument dating from the second quarter of the 18th century and has an arcade.
• A Gothic chapel was built in the 1480s and completed in 1491; part of it forms the present-day polygonal-ended chancel.
• The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is a protected cultural monument; the church building was remodeled in the Baroque style in 1722.
• Jan Šimek’s landscape sculpture “Mezi zemí a nebem” was created in 1974–1975 as part of the park’s landscaping.
• The Bobrava River flows through Želešice; its lower valley is protected as Bobrava Nature Park.
• From the highest point of Želešický hájek, the view extends to the Pálavské vrchy hills, Rajhrad and the Židlochovice lookout tower on Výhon.
• Želešice is a wine-growing municipality in the Velkopavlovická wine subregion.

Architectural heritage from Gothic to Baroque

The Městský dům at 24. dubna 76 provides a tangible example of Baroque architecture in the town. The building dates from the second quarter of the 18th century, has an arcade and is protected as an immovable cultural monument. Its architecture illustrates the transition between a rural house and an urban one. The arcade is a striking architectural detail; the interpretation of the building as a transition between two house types also draws attention to its overall form.

The history of religious architecture reaches further back: a Gothic chapel was built in Želešice in the 1480s and completed in 1491. Part of it forms the present-day polygonal-ended chancel. The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic; in 1722, the church building was remodeled in the Baroque style. Gothic architectural history and Baroque alterations thus appear as distinct layers of time in the townscape.

A past Noc kostelů (Night of Churches) program at the church also offered special insights, including a tour of the tower, a view of Želešice in the evening, and visits to the bells and places that are not usually accessible. These opportunities were part of that event’s program at the time and were therefore specific to that earlier occasion.

Landscape art and fruit growing

Sculptor Jan Šimek created the landscape sculpture “Mezi zemí a nebem” in 1974–1975 as part of the park’s landscaping. It stands on a grassy roundabout in the park of the former Victoria nursery site. The Victoria nursery was a fruit tree nursery, so a specific work of art meets the historic use of the former grounds here.

The town’s wider history is also shaped by fruit growing. Friedrich Wannieck founded a fruit tree nursery in Želešice in 1877. In 1878, he acquired an estate and plots of land in the Bobrava Valley and gradually established an agricultural enterprise there, with vineyards and orchards. This sequence makes agricultural history, alongside the buildings, a subject in its own right.

The Bobrava, waterways and viewpoints

The Bobrava River flows through Želešice; its lower valley is designated as Bobrava Nature Park. The Hajanský potok also flows through the town. Thus, two named waterways are part of the town’s geography, while the protection designation specifically applies to the lower valley of the Bobrava.

The highest point of Želešický hájek offers another perspective on the landscape. From there, the view extends to the Pálavské vrchy hills, Rajhrad and the Židlochovice lookout tower on Výhon. Together with its place in the Velkopavlovická wine subregion, these offer a variety of landscape and regional connections alongside the history of architecture and fruit growing.

Fruit and choosing the focus of your stay

Šlechtitelská stanice Želešice sells fruit, including cherries, apricots, peaches and apples. Since seasonal availability may vary, it is advisable to check before planning a purchase.

When looking for a hotel in Želešice, your preferred focus for the trip can help guide your choice: if you are interested in architectural styles and local history, the Městský dům, religious architecture and the sculpture are the main attractions. If you are interested in the landscape, the Bobrava, the nature park and the viewpoint are the key features.

Discover more destinations: Ochoz U Tišnova, Otmarov, Predklasteri, Pasohlávky, Kaly, Holasice, Sokolnice, Medlov.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Želešice

What architectural history has shaped Želešice?

The Městský dům, dating from the second quarter of the 18th century, has an arcade and illustrates the transition between a rural house and an urban one. A Gothic chapel was built in the 1480s and completed in 1491; part of it forms the present-day polygonal-ended chancel. The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is protected as a cultural monument.

For the broader travel overview: Brno-Countryside District.