CZ: South Moravia – The Land of the Sun, Wine, and Hospitality

South Moravia is a region neighboring with four globally important territories. These are so important UNESCO protects them. Among them there are two cultural landmarks: Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape which is a romantic landscape with many small buildings between two chateaus. The other landmark is Villa Tugendhat - a early-20th century functionalist building in Brno. There are also two biosphere reserve: Dolni M- there are white lime stone rocks of Palava (the place where Vestonicka Venuse, the oldest female statue was found); and there is the riparian landscape on the meeting point of the Dyje and Morava rivers. The White Carpathian Mountains- the other biopshere reserve – is the landscape of the highest diversity and number of orchids in central Europe. Quite unique is the immaterial cultural heritage of UNESCO- male dance of verbunk which originates in Moravske Slovacko, and the Slovacko ride of kings.

There are many wonders of nature in the area such as Podyji National Park. There are many meanders, rocky hillsides covered with forest, or Moravsky Kras. The latter has karst caves, the Macocha abyss or the Punkva river which flows under the ground.

Brno, the metropolis of south Moravia is the second largest city in the Czech Republic. It is also an economic, cultural, trade and science hub. The main sights of the city are St Peter and Paul cathedral or Spilberk castle . The historical district is place where many cultural institutions are located – theaters, galleries, schools, and universities. For over eighty years, Brno has been city of conventions. Its international airport Brno-Turany makes it an important transportation hub. Tourists are lured here by the recently renovated Villa Tugendhat, Jurkovicova Villa, , Villa Stiassni, and Löw-Beer villa. At Hvezdarna a planetarium Brno (astronomical observatory and planetarium), interesting and edifying lectures are held. The same goes for VIDA! Science Center!

Famous battlefield of Austerlitz is situated near Brno. It was the place where three emperors- Napoleon of France, tzar Alexander of Russia, and Franz I of Austria- took place. Every year, memorial ceremonies showing actual battle take place here at the end of the year.

South Moravia is the most important wine-growing region. Over 96% of all vineyards of the Czech Republic are located there. From local grapes the best wines are made. And the best wine are sold at Czech Wine Saloon at Valtice chateau. The best taste of a wine you can get in a wine cellar while listening to folk songs and dulcimer.

Many bike and pedestrian trails were built across the region. They are not streight yet they go everyhwere. Thus, visitors can learn about the beauty of the region or the most interesting places, or the tradition of wine-growing for there are wine cellars where you can taste local wine. The undulating landscape lures you to make trips on a bike for you can take some of many local or international bike trails. Bata Canal is another pleasant experience as you cruise in open landscape. Spas in Lednice and Hodonin are then welcomed places to relax.

Fans from all around Europe go here for the Masaryk Circuit, Brno. Many bike or car world series races including he Great Road Motorbike Prize are held here. Yet the region offers many other cultural, social, wine-drinking or sports events. You choose!

And lastly – do you like to play?

LOGUJ! is a QR code game which is great for kids and grown-ups, for travel enthusiats, game, cipher, crosswords and puzzle enthusiasts. You need a smart phone capable of recognize a QR code at game places. Herewith you learn of the region's famous figures by reading texts, listening to audio records, or watching videos. You can learn of adventurer Baron Trencek, actor Hugo Haas, painter Alfons Mucha, or missionairies Saint Cyril and Methodius. So let's go there! You will have fun. Moreover, you can win a flight ticket to Munich or a week-long stay at Lednice spas.

Additional information: www.jizni-morava.cz

What to visit:

• Ignis Brunensis – The City in the center of Europe 27. 5. – 19. 6. 2016
• Concentus Moraviae – international classical music festival 1.–28. 6. 2016
• Straznice International Folk Festival 23.–26. 6. 2016
• Grand Prix, Czech Republic 19.–21. 8. 2016
• Palava Grape Harvest 9.–11. 9. 2016
• Znojmo Historical Grape Harvest 16.–17. 9. 2016
• Janacek International Festival, Brno 7.–18. 10. 2016
• Memorial Ceremony to the 211th Anniversary of the Battle of Slavkov 2.–4. 12. 2016

Source: Jihomoravský Kraj