Discover Drysice

Drysice lies at the southeastern foot of the Drahanská vrchovina Highlands; a first-class road from Brno toward Olomouc runs through the village. Among its defining historical features are the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, the statue of Saint Florian in the village square, and the ruins of Melice Castle, about one kilometre to the west. Drysice thus brings together sacred architectural history, memories of past events, and a tangible connection to the surrounding landscape.

Church, Bells and Local History

Construction of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary began in late 1887; it was consecrated on 25 October 1896. Just under nine years passed between the start of construction and the consecration. The church tower holds three bells, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Saints Cyril and Methodius, and Saint Florian. These dedications add further religious associations to the church’s name.

The first written mention of Drysice dates from 1201. That year, King Přemysl I gave the village to the Cathedral Church of Saint Wenceslas in Olomouc. This early local history predates the construction of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary by many centuries, giving the village’s history and the history of its church clearly distinct dates.

Saint Florian is commemorated beyond the church tower, too: a statue of him, erected in 1777, stands in the village square. It recalls the major fires that severely damaged Drysice. The monument thus links devotion to the saint with the memory of specific damage to the village.

Historical Life and Festive Traditions

The history of hospitality is also part of the area’s past. In 1750, the Bishop of Olomouc, Coloredo, had an inn with stabling for travellers built in Drysice. The inn adds a connection to the hospitality once offered to travellers to the religious and commemorative themes.

Another glimpse into economic life takes us to 1925, when a cooperative dairy was founded in Drysice to serve nearby communities as well. It processed up to 2,000 litres of milk a day and produced award-winning cheese. Serving the surrounding communities gives this story a regional dimension; alongside the religious buildings and the former inn, it represents a distinct aspect of local history.

The revived Ostatky tradition is part of the festive calendar. It included a masked procession through the village and an evening celebration. Wine tastings were also held annually in Drysice. If you plan your trip around an event, check the current dates in advance.

Castle Ruins and Film History

The ruins of Melice Castle lie about one kilometre west of Drysice, on a promontory between Pustiměř and Drysice. The castle can therefore be viewed as a western landmark, while the church and the statue of Saint Florian shape the history of Drysice itself.

Drysice Quarry also has a connection to film history: its rock faces appear in exterior shots in several Czech feature films, including “Za humny je drak” by Radim Cvrček (1983) and “Strašidla z vikýře” by the same director (1988). Scenes for the Slovak children’s television series “Spadla z oblakov,” also by Radim Cvrček and released in 1978, were filmed in the area around the quarry.

On 12 July 2022, general access to Drysice Quarry was prohibited. The access road was blocked by a barrier and marked with signs prohibiting entry, as well as notices indicating private property and no parking. Check current access conditions before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Nesovice, Ježkovice, Kobeřice U Brna, Letonice, Hoštice-Heroltice, Kučerov, Křenovice, Malínky.

Go to the regional travel overview: Vyškov District.