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From most places in Mikulov we could see this smallish Chapel on a nearby hill. It turns out is a very historical spot, and is known as "The Way of the Cross on Holy Hill," one of the first places of pilgrimage in South Moravia and the oldest Way of the Cross in the Czech Republic.
Ways of the cross in "today's way," began in the 17th century in Spain, from where they spread to other countries.
What is "Way of the Cross?"
Well, it is the symbolic representations of the suffering of Jesus Christ on his journey under the cross dating to the 15th century.
The Way of the Cross at Mikulov was established by Cardinal Dietrichstein, as people wanted to express gratitude to God for overcoming the plague epidemic Mikulov experienced in 1622.
It was built and consecrated to Saint Sebastian, protector against infection with the plague.
On top of the hill near and surrounding the Chapel, there are lots of small Chapel's. It started with seven chapels in total, representing the seven passion stations, the number corresponding to the customs of the time. The chapels were given serial numbers 1, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. In addition to Saint Sebastian’s Chapel, there is the bell tower and the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre and Saint Rosalie’s Chapel, which is located on the opposite end of the path leading to Holy Hill from the north, added in 1692.
In the 18th century, 7 more chapels were built in the years between 1750–1776, bringing the number of chapels to fourteen. During the reign of Emperor Joseph II in 1786, Saint Sebastian’s Chapel was deconsecrated and the Way of the Cross ceased serving the faithful.
Thank goodness for history and us, as the Dietrichstein family decided to save the buildings and use them for private purposes. The buildings did however, begin to fall into disrepair.
The entire Way of the Cross, including Saint Sebastian’s Chapel and the bell tower, were repaired in the years 1862–1865. Saint Sebastian’s Chapel was again consecrated on the Feast of the Birth of the Virgin Mary.
Two traditions – the Way of the Cross on Holy Hill and the pilgrimage to the Black Madonna of Loreto in Mikulov have been interlinked since 1865,and since then the statue of the Mikulov Madonna has been carried up Holy Hill. This was interrupted only once, in the years 1938–1945, when the pilgrimages were banned.
The entire Way of the Cross suffered considerable damage towards the end of the Second World War.
Very interesting, but still the The Way of the Cross is not safe as the building is in disrepair once again. Lets hope, somebody steps in and saves this part of History in the Czech Republic!
The "other" website will give you a lot of information on the small chapels.
Updated Oct 30, 2011
Address: Tanzberg Hill in Mikulov
Website: http://www.mikulov.cz/tourism/monuments-and-sights/church-monuments/the-way-of-the-cross-on-holy-hill/?contentId=78098
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Located in the old town was St. Vaclav Church. I could see this beautiful high Tower, so I set about trying to find it, which I did.
Before going any further the ...............
CHURCH IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATION'S.
The Romanesque church was erected in the place of the former earliest Romanesque church built in the 12th century.
The original appearance of the church is not known, as the present building dates from early 15th century.
I couldn't go inside, that didn't matter, as it was Church tower I wanted to see! It has a residential floor with the apartment of the tower guard and an arcade gallery and was completed around 1640.
A wander along the outside wall found a row of tombs from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Written Oct 30, 2011
Address: Old town centre near the Castle
Walking to the bottom of Mikulov square, I came across the amazing St. Anne´s Church, built between 1623-1656.
It was early 18th century that the two Tower's were added. Really beautiful to view from the outside.
Once again, this was another building of importance that was damaged badly by fire and had to be rebuilt.
So, in the 19th century it was rebuilt and became the family Tomb of the Dietrichsteins, with the remains of family member's from 1617 – 1852 being moved from another Church to there. On the south-western side of the church there is the funeral chapel of the Dietrichstein family.
OPEN...........
April, May, September, October
Tuesday – Sunday 10.00 – 12.00 a.m., 1.00 – 5.00 p.m.
June – 15TH September
Monday – Sunday 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
November – March
only for groups of more than 15
telephone reservations must be made at least two days in advance through TIC Mikulov
ADMISSION FOR DIFFERENT TOUR ROUTES
Route l ...Adults.....CZK 50, Reduced CZK 25, Family CZK 100
Route 2...Adults.....CZK 30, Reduced CZK 15
Winter Season....Adults.... CZK60, Reduced CZK30
Written Oct 30, 2011
Address: mikulov town square
Website: www.mikulov.cz
The Historic Town square is a MUST FIND.
I felt like I was stepping back in time when I first walked into this square full of of different styled and coloured buildings, most of them dating to the 16th & 17th centuries. Painted in different color's and in great condition with the "Knight's or Graffiti House," the most spectacular.
There are several statues, the one in my photo is the Pomona state. The 18th century fountain in the shape of a polygonal stone tank and has Pomona with the horn of plenty and the shield with the Dietrichstein family coat of arms. The fountain was the source of water for the towns folk, and I guess today, for anybody who wishes to fill up their water bottle with fresh water. There is seating around the Monument's, or plenty of Cafe's for that much needed drink after all the walking!
The historic Baroque Holy Trinity Statue of 1723-1724 is a little further down the square
Written Oct 30, 2011
Address: Historic town square
Website: http://www.mikulov.cz/tourism/monuments-and-sights/Historic+Square/?contentId=78042
This is a rather beautiful Monument located quite close to the Graffiti House.
It is a Barouque column from the 1700's, and is also known as the Plague Column. There are many Statue's around it, including God the Father, St. John of Nepomuk, St. Frantisek Xaversky and St. Karel Boromejsky.
From the base it gradually rises, and includes the before mentioned statues, plus clouds with Angel's and the Holy Spirit.
Written Oct 30, 2011
Address: Historic Town Square
Website: http://www.mikulov.cz/tourism/monuments-and-sights/Historic+Square/?contentId=78042
This beautiful House is located on a corner in the Town Square. It is called the Graffiti House, painted in renaissance graffiti which is nothing like modern graffiti!
It dates back to 1591, with the second floor only being built in the 19th century. The scenes are Biblical and of Ancient Times, and still are in remarkable condition seeing they date back to early in the 17th century.
I had a peep in the House Arcade, and there is a wall gallery under the Arches.
Very nice!
Written Oct 30, 2011
Address: Town Square
Website: http://www.mikulov.cz/tourism/monuments-and-sights/Historic+Square/
Entry to the outside of Mikulov Chateau is FREE.
The gardens are mainly lawn with Statues and Fountains. I saw a beautiful Horse fountain, and many Horse sculptures.
As I followed the path uphill, the view's were fabulous!
At one side of the Castle, there was a proper, walled Castle garden. You could look down onto it, which is what I did because I couldn't find my way into it! There was seating to sit and enjoy the flowers, and another Bride was having her photo's taken there. A pretty popular spot for weddings.
Updated Oct 30, 2011
Website: http://www.mikulov.cz/tourism/monuments-and-sights/chateau/chateau-history/
There is no way you could miss seeing the huge Miklov Chateau! Like a Bird sitting on a perch, this Chateau sits on a rock overlooking the Town.
Once again, it is a Chateau involving the Liechtenstein family, this Chateau being their main one. The Chateau dates to 1249, when it was donated by Premysl Otakar II to Jindrich of Liechtenstein. Near the end of 13th century, the castle was completed, and even a "Smoking Tower" was added!
The Renaissance Chateau was reconstructed in later years, and had an Ancestors Hall built, the chateau entrance was rebuilt, and a chateau theatre was built. In 1620, it was occupied by enemy soldiers. In 1719, it was destroyed, and once again had to be rebuilt.
It is now the Regional Museum which I didn't go into, but I did go for a good walk all around the Chateau, this is FREE to do.
The Museum is OPEN....
April and October...........Tuesday – Sunday 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
May, June, September....Tuesday – Sunday 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
July – August.... ...........Tuesday – Sunday 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
ADMISSION.....Adults....CZK 100
These are the different tours available............
Full tour: 100 CZK · family 200 CZK
History · Viticulture · Romans and Germans
History: 50 CZK
From Gothic to Empire · Dietrichstein Gallery · chateau library
Viticulture: 50 CZK
Chateau cellar - giant wine barrel · Traditional Viticulture in Moravia · historic wine presses
Romans and Germans in the Land Below the Pálava Hills: 50 CZK
Seasonal exhibits independently: 50 CZK
Updated Oct 30, 2011
Website: http://www.rmm.cz/english/index.html
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The garden was projected by our professor Otruba and garden architect, whose works and projects i respect. In the middle is situated a small round pond with a statue. Behind is a geometric grass which opens the view to landscape. Trees play the main role (Acer, Carpinus, Pinus, Chamaecyparis,...) On the south side of castle, where the sun shines a lot, grow sukulent flowers (Sedum, Saxifraga). The walls are covered by Parthenocissus and Hedera.
Written Nov 26, 2008
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Located in here are the remains of family members from 1617 to 1852 of the important Dietrichstein family.
Updated Oct 30, 2011
Address: On the southwest side of the church
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Located in here are the remains of family members from 1617 to 1852 of the important Dietrichstein family.
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