Nedvedice: Pernštejn Castle, Silver and Marble

Pernštejn Castle, the history of marble and educational trails with clearly stated distances offer different ways to experience Nedvedice. The town’s history goes back a long way; at the same time, exhibitions and trails connect specific themes with the surrounding landscape. This allows you to take cultural history, the natural environment and outdoor activities into account when planning your trip.

The Castle and the Town’s History

Pernštejn is an exceptionally well-preserved medieval castle and was the seat of the Lords of Pernštejn. Its buildings trace a long architectural evolution: from a simple castle structure through a late Gothic fortress and a Renaissance palace to a Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical residence. This sequence culminates in the Romanticism of the 19th century. The castle is therefore not just a single medieval building, but a showcase of different stages in its development.

Nedvedice also has a long history: the earliest written record dates to 1350. The town is believed to have originated as a settlement below the seat of the Lords of Pernštejn. This possible account of its origins places the town in its historical relationship with the castle, without presenting the theory as an established fact.

Silver Coin Hoard and Marble Craftsmanship

Since September 2018, the permanent exhibition “Expozice stříbrného mincovního pokladu” has been housed in historic house No. 32. It includes all 284 coins found in 2016 near the settlement of Dolní Čepí, not far from Nedvedice. The find and its complete collection of coins are at the heart of this exhibition.

Another exhibition is devoted to marble from Nedvedice. On display are white, blue, grey and pink marble, original stonemasons’ tools, and information panels about the history of local marble quarrying and processing. Historically, stonemasonry was Nedvedice’s best-known craft. Marble from the town was used in the restoration of Pernštejn Castle and the church in Doubravník. The exhibits and this building history show two sides of the same subject: the material and its use in craftsmanship.

Garden and Landscape

The restored garden lies on the southwestern slope of Pernštejn Castle. Its ensemble of different garden styles is set in unusually mountainous terrain for a garden. It includes a formal French garden, a Romantic garden, an Anglo-Chinese area and woodland sections. If you plan to visit the garden, check the current opening conditions in advance.

The entire cadastral area of Nedvedice and Pernštejn belongs to the Svratecká hornatina Nature Park. The educational trails around Nedvedice are intended for walks and cycling and are equipped with benches, shelters and bicycle racks. Viewpoints offer different perspectives on the castle along the trails.

Educational Trails and Viewpoints

The red educational trail “Naučná stezka I” runs from Nedvedice to Pernštejn Castle and back; it is 4 kilometres long. Its 19 stops cover sights and natural attractions around the castle. The blue educational trail “Naučná stezka II” runs for 5.2 kilometres from Pernštejn via Smrček to Nedvedice. The two descriptions help you compare the routes: the red trail is described as a round trip between Nedvedice and the castle, while the blue one connects Pernštejn, Smrček and Nedvedice.

The “Skalní vyhlídka” viewpoint lies on the path from Pernštejn to Sejřek. In 2015, it was professionally reconstructed with a stone staircase as part of the educational trails and offers an unusual view of the castle. The viewpoint is freely accessible year-round. Another view of Pernštejn can be enjoyed from the Maria Laube viewpoint, also known as Mařenčino loubí: from the castle, follow the yellow-marked hiking trail towards Věžná to reach it in about ten minutes on foot.

Planning Your Stay

The Tourist Information Centre in Nedvedice provides information about cultural, historical and natural attractions, events, accommodation, dining and timetables. You can check there for current timetable information. Nedvedice railway station has been in operation since 1905.

Discover more destinations: Ivaň, Opatovice, Ivančice, Chudčice, Kratochvilka, Bukovice, Trboušany, Pravlov.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Brno-Country District.