Strhaře – Padělky, Pilgrimage and Historical Traces

Strhaře combines a nature reserve, local history and traditional customs into a destination offering many different discoveries. Padělky is particularly striking: on calcareous ground at a relatively high elevation, the nature reserve is home to an unusual occurrence of xerothermic and calcicolous species. Those interested in landscapes and plants will find a clear focal point of the village here, while the village square, wayside crosses and ecclesiastical monuments reveal a second, cultural side.

Padělky and its Protected Plant Life

Protected and endangered plant species occur in Padělky. These include the snowdrop anemone (Anemone silvestris), the common columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris), the lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), the lesser butterfly-orchid (Platanthera bifolia) and the sword-leaved helleborine (Cephalanthera ensifolia). The term xerothermic refers to species associated with warm and dry conditions; calcicolous species are dependent on calcareous ground. Together with the unusual occurrence at a relatively high elevation, this creates a nature-focused experience that clearly differs from an ordinary visit to the village.

Village Square, Chapel and Historical Signs

Strhaře was first mentioned in writing in 1390 and was associated with the Lomnice estate from the end of the 14th century onward. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, dating from 1856, stands on the village square. Next to the chapel is an undated cast-iron cross. Near the former school stands a marble cross donated by Marie Pařízková in 1912. The bus stop is also located on the village square.

Further monuments stand along the roads and at former local sites. Next to the dirt road to Osiky is an old, undated cast-iron cross that was damaged by lightning. A sandstone cross stands beside the dirt road to Rašov.

In Žleby, a marble cross commemorates František's tragic death. It was donated in 1927 by the Nekouš family from Osiky. Another marble cross stands in Žleby at the turnoff to Osiky. The Church of St. Stanislav, with a cemetery serving Strhaře and three other surrounding villages, is also located nearby. At the site of the original church stands a large statue of Saint Stanislav, hidden on a rock deep in the forest.

Pilgrimage, Masopust and Events

The annual cycle is also part of Strhaře's character. The pilgrimage of Our Lady of the Rosary takes place on the second Sunday in October. In winter, Strhaře has the tradition of Masopust. At Strhaře's outdoor event area, there is a pergola that protects events from sun and rain.

A Route Through Strhaře and the Surrounding Area

For active days, the Rozhledový trip route is a documented way to connect Strhaře with several other places. It leads through Strhaře and then through Žleby, Synalov, Kopaniny, Ochoz, Veselí, nad Brusnou, Borač, Babylon and Kaly. The route can also be completed by mountain bike. This makes it possible to combine the local history of Strhaře with a longer sequence of stages without restricting the route to a single mode of transport.

More Places in South Moravia

Other places in South Moravia include Kaly, Silůvky, Boudy, Hrušovany U Brna, Lesní Hluboké, Nebovidy, Těšany and Hostěnice.

For the broader travel overview: Brno-Country District.