Stěbořice: Romanesque Architecture, Archaeology and Nature

If you are choosing a destination for a trip where cultural history and nature take different forms, Stěbořice offers plenty of points of interest. Alongside the Kostel Narození Panny Marie church, you can visit the Háj burial mound field, Nový Dvůr Arboretum, the Beránkova Trail and the Šibenice Observation Tower. These attractions range from Romanesque architecture and archaeological traces to landscaped plant areas, nature education and panoramic views.

Romanesque architectural history in the town centre

The Kostel Narození Panny Marie church is in the centre of Stěbořice and is one of the few surviving Romanesque monuments in the Moravskoslezský kraj Region. It has a single nave; the religious complex also includes a two-storey Baroque rectory. These terms help describe the architecture: “single-nave” describes the church, while “two-storey” and “Baroque” describe the rectory. Well-preserved remains of a Romanesque presbytery dating from the first half of the 13th century were uncovered beneath the church floor; the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) announced the discovery on 25 May 2026.

Archaeology, fortifications and panoramic views

At the Háj burial mound field, or slovanský mohylník, the burial mounds are still visible in the landscape. This is a different kind of archaeological trace from the one at the church: at Háj, the shapes of the mounds define the terrain, while at the church, the architectural elements of the religious complex take centre stage. The Šibenice Observation Tower offers views of the surrounding area; information panels cover the construction of Šibenice Fortress and the local fortifications. A 1970s-era military dugout can also be visited near the observation tower.

You can drive to within about 150 metres of the observation tower; parking is available on a paved area. This approximate distance is intended as a guide for your journey.

Gardens and nature education

The plant areas at Nový Dvůr Arboretum are arranged by theme. They include North American forests and prairies, Siberia, a Japanese garden and plants from the Himalayas. The layout makes the geographic origins of the plant areas a guiding theme. Nový Dvůr Arboretum also regularly hosts exhibitions.

The Beránkova Trail is about two kilometres long. Interactive information panels provide entertaining insights into local wildlife and plant life, waste disposal and how an anthill works. The trail is accessible with a pushchair, preferably an all-terrain model; however, depending on the weather, some sections may be more difficult to walk or travel along. If you are travelling with a pushchair, take the weather into account when planning your visit. The difference from the arboretum lies in how information is presented: there, geographically themed plant areas organise the subject matter, while the Beránkova Trail uses interactive panels to cover wildlife and plant life and other topics.

The Planetární cesta (Planetary Trail) offers yet another experience: a station featuring the planet Neptune is located in front of the cultural centre in Stěbořice.

Discover more destinations: Píšť, Opava, Jilešovice, Chlebičov, Bohuslavice, Zlatníky, Těškovice, Brumovice

For the higher-level travel overview: Opava District.