In the shadow of the mysterious mesa known as Vlada\u0159, we find the town of \u017dlutice, interlaced with medieval cellars underground and covered with monasteries and chateaus above ground. Those who search for the hidden gems of the Czech Republic should sit up and take notice and plan a trip here to see the famous hymnal, the architectural jewel of minimalism, or the statues of Matthias Braun.<\/p>\n
The units of Jan \u017di\u017eka clashed with the Catholic army on Vlada\u0159 mountain, and to this day, there is a model of this battle in \u017dlutice Museum. Furthermore, the exhibits are dedicated to the history of the town, as well as to the Hussite Movement. In the cellar of the former court, there is a preserved original medieval prison with an exhibition on torture.<\/p>\n
Up until the 1970s, the original of the famous \u017dlutice Hymnal, i.e., the handwritten Utraquist hymnal dating to 1558, was stored in the museum. Today, you can scrutinize its facsimile.<\/p>\n
There are many locations associated with faith around \u017dlutice. The most famous of them is the pilgrimage site of Skoky, where to this day, many Czech and German pilgrims regularly head out to and where mass is celebrated in both languages. In fact, the well-known phrase \u201cPanenko sk\u00e1kav\u00e1!\u201d is derived from the local pilgrimage painting of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (the literal translation is \u201cJumping Virgin!\u201d with the meaning being like the phrase \u201cJumping Jehoshaphat!\u201d, yet the adjective is also derived from the site name – Skoky (Jumps); translator\u2019s note<\/em>).<\/p>\n Perhaps a half-hour drive from \u017dlutice is the Premonstratensian Monastery at Tepl\u00e1, which boasts a tradition of over eight hundred years. The monastery library is accessible, as is the museum or the Baroque living quarters of the monastery.<\/p>\n Even a bit further from Tepl\u00e1 is the Nov\u00fd Dv\u016fr Abbey of the Trappist monks, originally hailing from Sept Fons in France. In 2000, the monks commenced reconstruction work on the ruins of a Baroque farmstead, and the resulting new building with a modern minimalist church won several architectural prizes. On your stop here, do not forget to taste the mustard that the monks manufacture.<\/p>\n One of the cycle paths from \u017dlutice leads all the way to Chy\u0161e Chateau. Aside from the tour of the chateau, whose history reaches as far back as 1158, and the unique oil painting by Peter Brandl dating to 1699, the chateau brewery is also open to visitors. Here, natural beer without chemicals is brewed using the spring waters from the Doupovsk\u00e9 Mountains.<\/p>\n Somewhat further north is Vale\u010d Chateau with the statues of Matthias Braun, depicting the allegory of human characteristics and mythological figures. After touring the chateau, set out on the Way of the Cross to Calvary Hill, where a beautiful view of the municipal reserve opens in front of you.<\/p>\n Those who are rather impressed by castles should aim their steps towards the ruins of Harten\u0161tejn near Bochov. This is one of the most ingenious fortified constructions of the late Gothic period in the Czech Republic, with a thought-out ground plan of defensive bastions and battery towers with embrasures. Some sections of the castle have been preserved in their original state.<\/p>\n Not interested in historical monuments? The Kobyl\u00e9 organic farm expands out just beyond \u017dlutice, and it is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday in nature. Even with children, who can join in the life on the farm, take care of the animals, or even try horseback riding.<\/p>\n An alternative lies not far away in the village of Ne\u017eichov, south of Tou\u017eim. The Belina family organic farm, located at the foot of T\u0159ebou\u0148sk\u00fd Hill (popular among paragliders), focuses on breeding sheep and cattle, but you can also find horses, rabbits, or even cats here. You can taste home-made fresh cheese and milk, sweet quark creams, or spreads. You can find accommodation with your children in the attic rooms or in the cottage on the slope.<\/p>\n<\/div>A visit to the chateau and great beer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Relax among animals<\/strong><\/h3>\n