Litostrov – History, Landscape and the Hornická Cycling Loop

Litostrov combines a local history dating back to the Middle Ages with an archaeological site, rural landscapes and a themed cycling loop. Those looking for a hotel in Litostrov will find a place where historical discoveries can be combined with a tour through the former Rosice–Oslavany hard-coal mining district.

Local history and small landmarks along the way

The first written mention of Litostrov dates back to 1376. After the Thirty Years' War, only five houses remained in the village. These two milestones tell of a long history and, at the same time, of a profound turning point that shaped the village's development.

Several smaller structures make the local history visible in present-day Litostrov. A stone cross dating from 1910 stands in front of houses number 56 and 57. Another stone cross, from 1781, bears an inscription naming Franc Korotvicka and Jiří Fijala as its builders. There is also a new chapel with a simple square floor plan in front of house number 11.

At the centre stands the chapel “Kaple sv. Floriána”, dating from 1853 and regarded as a landmark of Litostrov. Together with the chapel in front of house number 11 and the two stone crosses, it does not form a single major tourist attraction, but rather a village landscape composed of several specific historical traces. For you, this means that Litostrov can be explored attentively and through individual discoveries, without its history depending on just one structure.

Kozí hřbet: Archaeology between the Bobrava and Bílá Voda

A particular focus near Litostrov is Litostrov–Kozí hřbet, an archaeological site in Litostrov. Kozí hřbet lies 3 kilometres southeast of the village centre, above the confluence of the Bobrava and Bílá Voda rivers. The remains of a fortified hilltop settlement of the Hallstatt-period Horákov culture, dating to the 7th–6th century BC, have been preserved on Kozí hřbet.

Here, landscape and very early settlement history come together in one place. The precise geographical location above the confluence is just as much a part of the character of this archaeological site as the surviving remains. Families visiting the area can use this historical trace as an opportunity to talk about early settlements, landscapes and the region's long development.

Cycling through a former hard-coal mining district

The themed Hornická cycling loop passes through Litostrov. It runs from the Oslava Valley to Bílý potok through the former Rosice–Oslavany hard-coal mining district and focuses on mining heritage monuments. The word “former” is important here: the route relates to the district's mining history, not to mining that is currently in operation.

Litostrov is still rich in fields and forests. This landscape character provides a peaceful setting for the village's historical themes and adds a distinctly rural impression to the route. You can therefore focus your stay more closely on local history and archaeology, or view the Hornická cycling loop as a thematic link between the landscape and mining history.

Other places for your research

If you would like to include other places in your search besides Litostrov, you can also find Kratochvilka, Strhaře, Popovice, Telnice U Brna, Veverské Knínice, Zhoř, Ochoz U Tišnova and Lukovany.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Brno-Venkov.