Historical Towns
There are many places around the Vranov Dam, which are really worth a visit during the stay. The nearest village is Vranov nad Dyjí, from where there is a direct bus line to the historical town of Znojmo, which is situated about 25 km from the campsite. The second direction is the town of Telč with historical square. There are many other possibilities to do and see during your stay at the campsite of Vranovska pláž s.r.o.
Vranov nad Dyjí
The village of Vranov nad Dyjí is situated in the picturesque valley of the river Dyje. The dominant feature of the village is the Castle, which rises over a 76 meter high rock. The village has a distinctly recreational character thanks to the sought after Vranov Dam and at the same time due to the location of the village on the edge of the Podyjí National Park. Besides the Castle there are many other historical monuments in Vranov. The Plague Pillar on the square, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Rotunda by the Church or the statues on the outskirts of the village. There are also three light fortification buildings from 1936 to 1938, lately reconstructed.
Bítov
The village of Bítov is situated above the Vranov Dam, about 2 km from the Bítov Castle. The development of tourism and the new location of the village above the Lake made Bítov an attractive recreational site. There is a large number of holidaymakers in the summer season, who can get use of an extensive network of recreational and restaurant facilities. Bítov lies approximately 5 km from the centre of Vranov nad Dyjí recreation area. The surrounding area is suitable for cyclists. In the village there is one of the oldest castles of our country – Bítov Castle.
Podhradí
The recreational village at the beginning of the Vranov Dam lies on both banks of the river Dyje. The village is located on the bicycle route Slavonice - Vranov nad Dyjí - Znojmo. In 1949 the village adopted the name Podhradí nad Dyjí. By then, it had been Frajstejn, Frejstein, in German Freistein. The modern name is inspired by the ruins of Frejštejn Castle, which dominates the village from all points of view. There are a number of holiday cottages and accommodation facilities on site. For tourists and cyclists a very attractive place.
Znojmo
It is the ancient centre of Podyjí, situated on the border of Moravia and Austria, on a steep promontory over the river Dyje in places where the river slowly leaves the wooded valley. The royal town has preserved its historical character with many outstanding monuments and romantic nooks. It is one of the oldest Czech royal towns. It is famous for its wine-making tradition, dating back to the 12th century.
Telč
Everywhere in Telč you can see elements of the medieval town defence system once consisted of ponds, walls, a ditch and a tower. Only two gates allowed access to the town. The square, surrounded by picturesque houses with shields and arcades, corresponds approximately to the extent of the town's founding. In 1530 Telč was destroyed by the fire. Zacharias of Hradec, an educated humanist enchanted by the Italian Renaissance, had beautiful houses built on the square according to a single plan, and the Telč Gothic fortress was transformed into a magnificent castle.
Rotunda of St. Catherine
The Rotunda stands on the second courtyard of the Znojmo Castle as the only witness of the oldest days of the town of Znojmo and perhaps even the oldest standing building on our territory. The Rotunda has been included in the list of national cultural monuments since 1962. It is ranked third in the order of importance right behind Prague Castle and Karlštejn. The inner walls of the Rotunda are plastered and decorated with wall paintings, which apart from the traditional biblical themes represent a gallery of Přemyslid monarchs with the central motif of the Přemysl Oráč occupation on the princely throne..
Louka Monastery in Znojmo
The former Premonstratensian Monastery in Louka was one of the most important monastic complexes in Central Europe for six centuries. It was founded by Prince Conrad Ota (1189 Czech prince) and his mother Mary in 1190. The Premonstratensian Monastery became one of the most important institutions in Moravia, playing an important role in the history of Znojmo. In the Louka Monastery, the inventor of the first grounded lightning rod Prokop Diviš worked. From 1869 the entire area was continuously used until 1993 as a barracks.
Znojmo Castle
The original seat of the Princes of Znojmo was founded in the first half of the 11th century by Prince Břetislav. At the beginning of the 18th century, on the foundations of a medieval castle, a baroque castle was built. Nowadays there is a permanent exhibition "From the History of Znojmo", which presents the development of the prehistoric settlement of the region, monuments of Medieval and Renaissance Znojmo, the art of its temples, collections of stylish furniture, old prints, extinct crafts, military and hunting weapons, and sharpshooters’ targets. There is also a lapidarium and castle underground. In the castle moat there is a permanent exhibition of birds of prey.
St. Nicolas Church in Znojmo
St. Nicholas Church, founded by the Prince of Znojmo, Leopold, in 1106. In 1335, a large part of the town, including the Nicholas Church, was burned. Three years later, a new temple was built by Charles IV. The construction of the temple was completed as late as in the first half of the 16th century. The local builder Mikuláš of Sedlešovice also had a significant share of the building. Inside the temple you can see a number of Late Gothic monuments. There used to be an old cemetery near the Church, which included the medieval ossuary, located between St. Nicholas Church and St. Wenceslas Chapel.
Tourist Sightseen Train in Znojmo
A sighteseeing tour by the tourist train will reveal the most interesting part of the historical city of Znojmo in ninety minutes. It shows you round medieval streets and squares, you will be able to admire significant sights enjoying interesting views of the town from the valley of the river Dyje. You can get on at any of the eight stops. The journey can be interrupted and then, having the ticket marked, you can complete it in next link. However, the premise is that the train will not be overcrowded. The trainset has a capacity of 30 seats and also allows the transport of 4 bicycles. Cars and buses can park at the Municipal Baths or at the parking lot at the Louka Municipal Swimming Pool.
Znojmo Underground
The system of interlocking corridors beneath the entire medieval town has a truly European dimension, with a total length of 30 km. The corridors, running several floors above, were sculpted in the rock from the 13th to the 17th centuries and were well supplied with water from the so-called Jesuit water main. They served as food stores, but also as shelters of the inhabitants at times of danger to the city and formerly connected with the castle. The sightseeing tour starts at the Hen Market and is 1 km long.
Town Hall Tower
The current Town Hall Tower was built on the site of the older tower in 1445 – 1448 by Mikuláš of Sedlešovice. Despite its age the Tower has not lost its charm. It is 70 meters high with a refined green roof, complemented by other nine smaller turrets. It is accessible all year round and in good weather you can see the Pálava Hills (50 km away), or even the Alps (200 km away).
