Kněždub: Art, History and Landscape

Kněždub lies in a landscape shaped by orchards, fields and vineyards at the foot of Šumárník. Art and local history also define the town: the Church of St. John the Baptist, the birthplace of the Úprka brothers and the Slovácký slavín cemetery represent different aspects of the local cultural heritage. The Čertoryje protected area and the traditional October celebration add to these highlights.

Landscape and Botanical Highlights

The Čertoryje protected area extends across the cadastral territories of Hrubá Vrbka, Kněždub and Tvarožná Lhota. The area is home to the lady’s slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), the sickle-leaved saw-wort (Serratula lycopifolia) and the marsh gladiolus (Gladiolus palustris). Their populations differ considerably: the lady’s slipper is found at two microlocations, with two clumps, and is one of three sites in the White Carpathians. The sickle-leaved saw-wort forms extensive stands in the Vojšické louky area. There are also two microlocations, each just a few square metres in size, below the summit of Čertoryje; the species is one of four sites in the White Carpathians. The marsh gladiolus occurs in small numbers at a single microlocation, the only site for this species in the White Carpathians. Alongside its cultural landscape, Čertoryje therefore offers a distinctive botanical highlight.

Church and Local Art History

The Church of St. John the Baptist dates from 1898 and was built in the Neo-Romanesque style. Its interior was painted by academic painter Vojmír Vokolek in an unusually modern style. The church thus combines architectural history with a distinctive artistic design. The Slovácký slavín cemetery is also connected with local art history: painters Joža Úprka and Antoš Frolka, as well as sculptor Franta Úprka, are buried there. Their names represent different art forms and make the cemetery another place that reflects Kněždub’s cultural history.

The Birthplace of the Úprka Brothers

The birthplace of brothers Joža and Franta Úprka is a state-protected cultural monument. It houses a permanent exhibition of their works and also displays the period furnishings and fittings of the rooms where the brothers lived and worked. The restored house reopened to the public on 9 July 2005. It is considered a typical example of a period building made of clay and is one of the few surviving examples of this traditional construction. The house thus combines an exploration of the brothers’ works with a glimpse of traditional building methods. If you are planning a visit, please check the latest visitor information.

October Traditions and Animals at Selský domek

Traditional October events include the costumed fair known as “krojované hody s právem.” Exact dates may vary; check the dates for the relevant year before your trip. Selský domek offers a different kind of experience: children can pet and feed Cameroon goats and other domestic goats, a pot-bellied pig, rabbits and chickens. Before visiting, check the current opening conditions and whether this activity is available.

Different Highlights for Your Trip

The church, cemetery and Úprka birthplace bring together architecture, painting and local history; Čertoryje adds a natural-history dimension with its plant populations. A trip in October can also include the traditional fair. These different highlights can help you decide how Kněždub fits the themes that matter to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Želetice, Milotice U Kyjova, Javorník, Kuželov, Sudomerice Nad Moravou, Svatobořice-Mistřín, Nová Lhota, Syrovín.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Hodonín.