Discover Hostěradice: History, Baroque Art and Nature

Hostěradice is a destination for travelers interested in medieval parish history, Baroque sculptures and distinctive plant life. The Church of St. Kunigunde and the former commandery of the Teutonic Order define its historical character; the chapel and stone cross shape the village square. The U Kapličky Natural Monument adds a distinctive touch with its heat-loving vegetation.

The Church of St. Kunigunde and the Commandery

St. Kunigunde is a valuable medieval church associated with the former commandery of the Teutonic Order. The commandery was founded after 1237. Buildings from the former complex that have survived are now part of the rectory; further remains are located in the parish garden. A remnant of the moat has also survived in the southern part of the parish complex.

The church also preserves the tombstone of Jan Gatnar, the last Utraquist priest. Hostěradice is one of the historic Utraquist parishes; these two details give the town’s sacred history a concrete personal and local dimension.

Baroque Sculptures

The late Baroque Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and a nearby stone cross together form a prominent landmark on the village square. The High Baroque Marian Column is a work by sculptor Štěpán Pagan, dating from 1728. Statues of St. Joseph, St. Joachim, St. Sebastian and St. Urban stand at its corners.

A Baroque group of figures depicting St. Anne and the Virgin Mary stands near the Church of St. Kunigunde and dates from 1763. The dates place two of the sculptures in context: the Marian Column was created 35 years before the group of figures. Four statues of saints adorn the corners of the column; the group, by contrast, depicts Anne and Mary together.

U Kapličky Natural Monument

The U Kapličky Natural Monument has a different focus from the buildings: its landscape is shaped by heat-loving plant communities. These include the sand iris and an abundant population of pasqueflowers. For travelers interested in natural history, this plant life provides a clear contrast with the town’s cultural and historical attractions.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Hostěradice can be reached by car or bus and is part of the IDS JMK transport system. The town lies on the Znojmo–Moravský Krumlov route. Individual timetables may change, so check the service for your travel date.

The main route (Route I) of the Znojemská vinařská I runs from Hrušovansko to Znojmo. It passes mostly through flat and hilly terrain and uses second- and third-class roads as well as field roads. Check surface and route conditions before setting off.

If traveling by bus, check the current timetable.

Discover more destinations: Dobšice U Znojma, Hnanice, Starý Petřín, Horní Dunajovice, Morašice, Korolupy, Břežany U Znojma, Trstěnice.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Znojmo.