Discover Kadov: Landscape and Sacred Art

Kadov between valley and culture

Kadov lies in a flat valley of the Kadovský potok stream, in a protected setting. Those who appreciate landscapes and sacred architectural history as travel themes will find plenty to explore in Kadov: nearby Kadovská skála, the Church of St Philip and St James, and several historic works of art. The village brings together a natural monument, church architecture shaped by the Middle Ages, and artworks at various locations.

Natural monument and landscape

Kadovská skála lies near Kadov and is a former limestone quarry with a natural character. Numerous rare plants grow on the rock formation. Since 1 June 2022, Kadovská skála has been designated a natural monument. Rising above Kadov is Kadovský kopec, also known as Kadovská hora, at 367 m above sea level. The rock formation and the named high point offer different landscape landmarks around the village.

Church and architectural history

The Church of St Philip and St James was built in several stages. Its presbytery is Early Gothic and was altered in the Late Gothic period; the nave and tower date from the end of the 15th century. Since 1822, the church has been dedicated to the two saints, Philip and James. Also in 1822, a chapel of St Margaret was added. Medieval architectural forms thus stand alongside an addition from the 19th century. For travellers interested in sacred architecture, these different building phases offer a distinctive insight into the village’s history.

Artworks in the village

The cemetery gate features a Pietà dated 1734. The gate also has statues of St Roch, St Sebastian and St Rosalia. On the village square stands a statue of St John of Nepomuk dated 1738, a fine example of High Baroque sculpture. At the edge of the village is a small sacred structure of the Boží muka type. It dates from the late 16th century, survives without its lantern, and serves as a distinctive landmark. The cemetery gate, village square and edge of the village each provide a different setting for these religious artworks.

Local history and religious events

Kadov was first mentioned in a document in 1235. From 1230 to 1400, the parish was under the patronage of the Dubravnik convent. This patronage therefore began before Kadov’s first documented mention and adds an early ecclesiastical connection to the village’s history.

Religious events can also play a role in choosing when to travel. The pilgrimage celebration is scheduled for the Sunday after the feast of Saints Philip and James, around 3 May. The hody festival is scheduled for the Sunday around the feast day of St Bartholomew, around 24 August. As both dates are tied to a Sunday in relation to a saint’s feast day, you should check the exact dates again before planning a trip around either event.

Discover more destinations: Dobšice U Znojma, Přeskače, Žerůtky, Zblovice, Bohutice, Chvalovice, Krhovice, Našiměřice.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Znojmo.