Kralice Nad Oslavou: Printing History and Church Art

The history of the Kralice Bible, historic buildings, and the Oslava and Chvojnice valleys give Kralice Nad Oslavou a range of distinctive attractions. They span printing history and church art, as well as a hiking route through the town and valleys. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether you want to focus mainly on the cultural heritage or make a hike the centerpiece of your visit.

Printing History and the Kralice Bible

The Památník Bible kralické stands beside the former fortress, where a secret printing press belonging to the Bohemian Brethren found refuge from 1578 to 1620. The press in Kralice nad Oslavou published more than 70 works up to 1619, including the six-volume Kralice Bible. The two dates describe different aspects: 1578 to 1620 refers to the press’s refuge in the fortress, while 1619 marks the period of publication.

More than 4,000 original printing types, metal letters, spacers, decorative elements, and printing tools are kept at the Památník. Other exhibits found during archaeological investigations of the Kralická tvrz are also on display there. The Pomník Bible kralické presents the same subject in symbolic form: it consists of an open bronze book on an altar-like pedestal and symbolizes the translation and printing of the Kralice Bible. The difference is clear: the Památník preserves printing tools and archaeological exhibits, while the Pomník illustrates the themes through the form of a book.

Church Art and Architectural History

The Kostel sv. Martina is the oldest building in Kralice nad Oslavou. Its present-day sacristy dates back to a freestanding pre-Romanesque chapel from the late 11th century. Preserved wall paintings from around 1300 can be seen at the end of the presbytery. They include a depiction of Saint Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar. Together with the late 11th-century chapel, the paintings show that the church preserves heritage from periods separated by a considerable span of time.

The Kralická tvrz also has a clearly defined phase of renovation. At the end of the first half of the 16th century, it was extensively remodeled; Jindřich Kralický z Kralic added three Renaissance wings to the Gothic structure. The fortress thus presents a clear sequence of construction, with a Gothic core followed by later Renaissance wings.

Hiking Route and Valleys

The Chvojnice and Oslava valleys around Kralice nad Oslavou have a natural, gorge-like character and considerable landscape and scientific significance. A hiking route through Kralice nad Oslavou and the Oslava and Chvojnice valleys starts at Kralice nad Oslavou railway station. Trail conditions may change, so check the latest route information before setting out.

The freely accessible ruins of Kraví Hora Castle lie along the hiking route. They provide an additional historic point of interest on the hike.

Discover more destinations: Kladeruby Nad Oslavou, Biskupice-Pulkov, Lesní Jakubov, Jasenice, Slavičky, Budkov, Kouty, Kojetice Na Morave.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Třebíč.