Discover Popovice

Popovice between local history and nature

Popovice combines an exceptionally long history with tangible nature and trail experiences. For families who want to combine different interests during a trip, historical discoveries, waterside habitats and signposted trails are all conceptually close at hand here. At the same time, the village can be reached from Brno by train – a useful starting point if you want to consider your journey and your choice of accommodation together.

From the Benedictines to archaeological finds

The history of Popovice dates back at least to 1048. At that time, Prince Bretislaus I gave Popovice to the Benedictines for the foundation of Rajhrad Monastery. This connection shapes the historical background of the village, without requiring visitors to limit themselves to a single attraction.

Flint tools, stone axes, as well as Neolithic shards and vessels were found at U Chebzů. Human skeletal remains from the Neolithic period came to light at Nívky, together with a necklace made of fired clay beads painted with blue eyes. The finds have been dated to the period between 4500 and 2000 BC. This gives both younger and older travellers access to the local history in a way that is not based solely on dates, but on vivid traces of human life.

Historical points of reference can also be found in the present-day villagescape. The bell tower in Popovice contains a painting of the Visitation of Mary, painted by the Rajhrad Benedictine Vojtěch Slouk. The monument to those who fell in the First World War is considered the oldest in the entire microregion and was consecrated in 1920 by Abbot Prokop Šup.

Water and protected habitats

Another focal point is the Pastvisko reservoir. The local angling association uses it for fish farming; at the same time, the reservoir provides a habitat for many animal species, especially amphibians. Protected animal species under Czech law are found in the Farářka wetland.

Getting around by train, educational trail and cycle routes

A railway stop was established in Popovice in 1914. Today, Popovice can be reached from Brno by train. This aspect may be particularly relevant when choosing accommodation if you do not want to consider the village solely as a starting point for a car journey.

The Rajhradsko educational trail passes through Popovice. Its first section is 15.7 km long and runs through Rajhrad, Popovice and Holasice. In addition, the Brno Wine Cycle Route runs near Popovice. This creates different priorities for planning your day: the educational trail leads through the village itself, while the wine cycle routes offer another option for a bike tour in the surrounding area.

Those who include the Rajhrad pheasantry can follow clear signage: the main walking route there is marked on the trees with yellow arrows.

For comparison with other destinations, you can also include Ochoz U Brna, Nesvačilka, Deblín, Vranov, Ricany, Moutnice, Heroltice and Rašov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Brno-Country District.