Discover Zakřany: Chapel, Educational Trail and History

Zakřany combines local history with two different ways of exploring the area: at its center stands the Chapel of St. Donatus, while between Zakřany and Zbýšov u Brna, an illuminated educational trail offers tangible insights into nature and learning. There are also traces of a long settlement history, a historic wayside shrine and the varied Stezka permoníků route. The village therefore appeals to travelers who do not wish to view culture and landscape separately.

Chapel and Local History at the Center

The Chapel of St. Donatus stands at the center of Zakřany. Together with the village square, the municipal office and the fire-water reservoir, it forms the natural center of the municipality. The present chapel was built in 1888 after the earlier chapel from 1856 had been demolished. It was consecrated on June 15, 1890.

Architecturally, the chapel is a valuable historicist building from 1888. Its exterior features Romanesque architectural elements, while the interior contains Baroque elements. The building thus combines several historical design periods in one place. Zakřany’s older history also reaches far back: the first written reference dates from 1350. It reports that Oldřich ze Zakřan transferred two lán fields to Kateřina, the wife of Vilém ze Skalice. Archaeological finds also show that the area was already settled in the Neolithic period.

Northwest of Zakřany, in an open field beside the road toward Vysoké Popovice, stands a freestanding masonry wayside shrine. It is topped by a four-sided pyramid roof with sheet-metal covering and an equal-armed cross. This small structure complements the chapel with another independent testimony to the religious history of the village.

Educational Trail between Zakřany and Zbýšov u Brna

The educational trail between the South Moravian municipalities of Zakřany and Zbýšov u Brna runs parallel to the road, is illuminated and measures 461 meters in length. It serves the education of children and adults. Its documented features include around two dozen fruit trees and shrubs. The route therefore combines a clearly defined course with an explicitly educational purpose and an accessible nature theme. For travel planning, this offers a different experience from exploring Zakřany’s architectural and local history.

Hills, Forests and Stations along the Stezka permoníků

The Stezka permoníků offers another perspective on the surrounding area. It leads through hilly terrain with wide views and shady forests, as well as over climbs, level sections and fords. In Zakřany, an atonement stone is one of the stations along the Stezka permoníků.

Zakřany thus offers a cultural and historical village center, an educational trail and a varied landscape route with its own historic station. Depending on whether you are more interested in the chapel and early history, the educational trail or the terrain of the Stezka permoníků, you will find a different way to experience the village.

Other destinations in this travel overview include Pasohlávky, Zbraslav, Bilovice Nad Svitavou, Lukovany, Strhaře, Lomnice, Níhov and Cvrčovice.

For the overarching travel overview: Brno-Country District.