CZ, Velká Bíteš: A Crossroad with a Fortified Church – VIDEO

The origin and development of Velká Bíteš was connected with the crossroads of long-distance roads. Even today, the D1 motorway leads near the town. Exit 162 takes you directly to the outskirts of the city, from where you have a direct view of the center on the hill.

The biggest landmark of Velká Bíteš is undoubtedly the church of St. John the Baptist. It was originally built as a Romanesque building, but in the 14th and 15th centuries it underwent extensive Gothic reconstruction, when a massive fortification was gradually built around it. It also includes an entrance two-storey tower and five bastions with loopholes. The total length of the walls reaches 160 meters and their original height was up to 7 meters. A deep moat used to run along the entire walls, but today it is covered.

The local Masaryk Square with the historic town hall and other buildings is also worth a visit in Bíteš. Notice the historic house opposite the church, where the art school is located today.

I recommend connecting the trip to Bíteš with the local nature trail "The mills have already shut up". It leads through beautiful nature around the former mills through the valley of Bílý potok. Alternatively, continue along the blue to an even more picturesque part of the valley down the stream, after which you will reach Veverská Bítýška.

From here it is only a short walk to Veveří Castle. You can also reach it in the season from Bítýška by boat along the Brno dam, or then take a boat to Brno.

You can also combine a trip to Velká Bíteš with a visit to the beautiful chateau in Náměšť nad Oslavou, the Porta Coeli monastery in Předklášteří or the lookout tower in Tišnov. The landscape northwest of Brno hides countless romantic valleys, orchards, alleys and beautiful paths for day trips. So why not start in Velká Bíteš?

GPS: 49°17'27.5"N 16°13'33.8"E

Text, photos, and video: Matouš Vinš