The region of so-called ”Kyjov Slovakia” is situated in the north-eastern part of Hodonín district in South-Moravia. In the north, its boundary is formed by hilltops of Chřiby mountain range and by Ždánice forest, in the south by undulating landscape of Doubrava area. Its main centre is the town of Kyjov with 13 thousand inhabitants, other centres of the region are Ždánice and Bzenec. It is well-known for rich folkloric and spiritual traditions. Local landscape surprises with the number of rare plants and animals. The LEADER+ Scheme, which has been realized here since 2005, stimulates the region’s potential from the point of view of traditional life, sports activities, natural and spiritual resources and the beauties which the region of Kyjovské Slovácko undoubtedly offers.

 

The local folklore is closely connected with wine – the liquefied sunlight of this part of Moravia. The architecture of the wine cellars, which form whole complexes - the so-called cellar lanes, is very specific and extraordinary. These cellars are situated in the surroundings of local wine-growing villages – for example Dambořice, Milotice and Vlkoš and towns like Kyjov and Bzenec. Local wines, grown and produced by experienced wine-growers, traditionally count among the best wines in the Czech Republic. Thanks to the LEADER+ Scheme, wine-growers can make use of progressive technologies and develop the viticulture tourism on the Moravian nature trails.

 

According to rich local archeological discoveries, Kyjov region was being settled as early as in prehistoric times. You can visit places which date back to the Great Moravian Empire and places where the Apostles St. Cyril and Method were active. According to the latest propositions, the centre of the then Empire – the original Velehrad – is situated near the Náklo hill. The oldest historic buildings perished but there are some relics and ruins – for example Cimburk, Kepkov or Palánek castles. From later times some Christian historic buildings have been preserved – especially churches – in many architectural styles. The baroque castle Milotice, where many cultural and social events take place, counts among the most important sights of the area.

 

A perceptive visitor will be enchanted by the beauty and atmosphere of the folk customs which are typical of Slovácko. The yearly course of these customs is very deep-rooted, its origins date back perhaps even to the pre-Christian period. It is characterized by the tradition of beautiful folk costumes, songs, dances, graphic arts and crafts. It is applied mainly in the protected and well-kept religious and folk celebrations all the year round. The highlight is the so-called Slovácký rok (”Slovak Year”) which is the most important three-day ethnographic celebration of this region. It has been held in Kyjov in four-year periods since 1921. The next one will take place in 2011.  

People in Kyjovské Slovácko are interested not only in work and folklore but are keen on many modern sports. Tourism is very popular – on foot, by bicycle or by car – there are plenty of paths and nature trails. People indulge in playing football, basketball, tennis, bowling…. You can go swimming in modern outdoor and indoor swimming pools. Very popular are annual public events for avocational sportspeople, for example various running races, touristic events, rallies of cyclists (Babí lom), historic bicycles (Ždánice), motorcycles (Šardice) and others.

 

Kyjov countryside is full of vineyards, orchards and fields which alternate with steppe slopes, forests and many ponds. The most remarkable pond is Písečný pond near Milotice. In the north, there is Chřiby mountain range and Ždánický forest, the south forms Doubrava area, the eastern tip is in the area of meadows of the river Morava basin. The western and south-western part of the region with the surroundings of Kyjov has a hilly character. Lovers of animals and plants will be delighted to find a variety of rare and protected plants and also animals (vertebrates and insects) in many localities. This region is very rich in the number of butterfly kinds.  

 

Our region has not been affected by mass tourism yet! Come and visit us!