CZ: Podivin – a Forgotten Town Near Lednice – VIDEO

Video Podivín.mp4

In case you are heading to Lednice-Valtice cultural landscape you are going to ride through Podivin anyway. There is a turn from D2 freeway to II/442 road in the area of Podivin. the latter road goes to Lednice and Valtice. Also, following trains from Brno buses depart from there to the compound. Make at least a short stop. it is worth it.

The name Podivin comes probably from the name of the Podivove family. they founded the castle there. the earliest written evidence comes from 11th century. the settlement was granted the town status in 1222. However, the castle with a moat ceased to exist. However, church of St Peter and Paul has survived until the present era. the church was built in the early 13th century. Only the portal remained from the era. the archeologists discovered it during the renovation of church´s side wall. It is an interesting building anyway. Gothic and Baroque features decorate the church. the belfry is in the revival Gothic style. Next to it is St Cyrilka chapel. a spring rises to the surface inside the chapel. a parish office built in 1776 is another interesting landmark.

In the town, there is a Christian cemetery and quite vast and well-preserved Jewish cemetery. Around six hundreds tomb stones, some of which come from the 17th century, are within its compound. the local Jewish community built there a domed and white wedding ceremonial hall. you can take a look inside. Just ask for keys at the house next to it.

For a nice walk follow the yellow tourist trail going to Lednice. you walk across Niva Dyje park. You also cross the Ladensky bridge. Then you reach "U Janova Hradu" crossroads. Going further down the yellow trail from there, you would see a game chateau. This is the shortest route to Lednice. However, our tip is to turn right and follow the green trail. it will lead you to the ruin of Januv castle. to walk along more beautiful yet longer trail is the way to get to Lednice chateau. Other possibility is to head in the opposite direction by following the Luzni les nature trail. This will get you to Breclav.   

There are many ways to discover history at Lednice-Valtice compound. but  there are also many ways to enjoy tourism, bicycling, and trips to nature. Podivin, a small town dedicated to wain, is a part of the whole. and it shouldn´t be forgotten..

GPS: 48°49'45.0"N 16°50'53.3"E

Text, photos, and video: Matouš Vinš

Music: Dexter Britain