The pilgrimage church of St. John of Nepomuk on Green Hill is an exceptional building designed in Baroque Gothic style which was included in the prestigious UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage in 1994. The architect Jan Blazej Santini-Aichl dedicated the church to St. John of Nepomuk, the patron saint of Bohemia as well as of all priests, confessors, pilgrims and sailors. That is why the statues portraying the saint are often placed at crossroads and on bridges.
The legend of St. John of Nepomuk is known worldwide
Historical sources claim that John of Nepomuk refused to reveal the confession secret of the queen to her husband King Wenceslas IV and thus earned the King’s undying hatred. The King had John tortured to death and afterwards had his body thrown off the Charles Bridge into the river Vltava in a place where the statue of St. John of Nepomuk stands today. While designing and building the church architect Santini showed a great deal of admiration for this important Czech patron saint. In his architectural designs he enjoyed using numerals which have iconographic meaning. The dominant number for the church of St. John of Nepomuk is number five which stands for life and human experience. The church is built in the shape of a five-pointed star and it can be accessed by five entrances. Inside there are five chapels with five altars. It is surrounded by cloisters in the shape of a ten-pointed star which provide shelter for the pilgrims against bad weather. The interior decoration of the church is closely connected to the legend. From the top of the Green Hill there is a fantastic view of the Konventsky Pond and part of the castle grounds. A virtual tour of the church is available here.
Museum of the Book
There are several interesting exhibitions in the Castle of Žďár nad Sázavou but above all the castle is a home to the world renowned Museum of the Book which is the largest of its kind in Europe. Among its many interesting exhibits you will find medieval manuscripts, unique prints, castle library furniture, examples of contemporary book illustrations and a collection of old printing presses. In the convent building there is an exhibition dedicated to the architect Jan Blazej Santini which introduces his work using photographs, model buildings, period drawings and short films.
When you enter the first courtyard you will be impressed by the beautiful fountain decorated by the statue of Virgin Mary with Jesus. Other sights include the Convent Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, the oldest primary school of the region and the museum of the local fire brigade. There is a café and tea room inside the castle as well.
Ždárské Hills
The rivers of Sazava, Svratka, Chrudimka, Doubrava and Oslava all begin in the Žďárské Hills. It is an important tourism destination with numerous small towns and villages dotted among the wooded hills, meadows, burns and ponds most of which date back to the Middle Ages. The most sought-after place in the Zdar nad Sázavou area is the small town of Skrdlovice near the Velke Darko pond. As the largest pond in Českomoravská vrchovina (The Highlands) it is a favourite spot for windsurfers yachting enthusiasts or those looking to relax on its sandy banks. The area is ideal for walking and cycling and offers one of the best natural environments in the Czech Republic.
Glassmaking industry used to flourish in the area
It is just a stone throw away from Velké Dářko to the small picturesque village of Karlov where you can find a small private glass maker. The region was once famous for glassmaking. The workshop was saved and is still run by a well-known artist Jaroslav Svoboda whose works are represented in many of the world´s leading galleries. He also built a restaurant in Karlov where the interior is decorated by various glass decorations creating a special atmosphere. The restaurant offers visitors the chance to buy various glass products. The well-balanced menu features traditional Czech cuisine as well as the local specialities of the Highlands.
You can even climb a mammoth in Žďár nad Sázavou
If you are longing for peace and quiet and and the romantic landscape of Sazava River, the best place to go to is Rozstipene Rocks which is approximately three kilometres away from Zdar nad Sazavou. The biggest attraction for the kids is a large sculpture of a mammoth´s head about 2.5m high which they can climb as well as sit on. The area is equally suitable for rock climbers of all abilities. There is also an option to visit an original renovated iron-mill which bears witness to the iron manufacturing industry of the past. The Rosicka Hill is a traditional meeting place for various interest groups and at one time there was an air traffic lighthouse at its peak. Now there is a modern telecommunication tower and the place has become a popular stop-over for cyclists using the Posazavska cycling trail.
Zubštejn Castle belongs among the castles of the hills of Moravia
We thoroughly recommend that you pay a visit to the Zubštejn Castle located just 30 kilometres away from Zdar nad Sazavou. The Castle is among the largest castle complexes in the Czech Republic. The best preserved parts of the Castle include the more recent palace which has four arched rooms and an entrance tower. The remains of the older palace comprise the lower section and the fortifications at the heart of the castle. Zubstejn offers wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. The most celebrated event of the year is called The Battle of the Castle which features an entertaining programme that is loved by children and adults alike. This year it will take place on July 21 and visitors will be able to see a fire show, jugglers, fencing tournaments, period and oriental dances and have the opportunity to take part in numerous competitions. The atmosphere will be enhanced by the music of the Middle Ages.
(Bazilika Nanebevzetí Panny Marie a svatého Mikuláše)
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