Nechvalín: History, Traditions and Wine Country

Nechvalín is a destination where historical traces, local traditions and winegrowing can be explored as distinct themes. The town’s history spans a medieval mention with a specified date, the site of a former knight’s fortress and specific grave finds. Other highlights include the Chapel of Saint Catherine, the Kateřinské hody held in late November, vineyard plots and the Kyjovská vinařská stezka, which passes through Nechvalín. If you are looking for a hotel in Nechvalín, you can consider these themes as different focal points for your stay.

History: Charter, Knight’s Fortress and Grave Finds

Nechvalín is first mentioned in a forged foundation charter of Vizovice Monastery dated 1261. The site of the former knight’s fortress is listed as an immovable cultural monument; the fortress was probably built in the first half of the 14th century. The two dates refer to different things: 1261 is the date of the first mention, while the first half of the 14th century indicates the probable construction period of the fortress.

Four iron swords, seven axes and six spears, as well as spurs, jewellery and vessels, were found in the burial ground. The grave finds suggest that Nechvalín was among the significant Great Moravian strongholds. The interpretation of Nechvalín’s importance in Great Moravia refers to the grave finds as a group, not to any single type of weapon alone. The specific finds therefore sit alongside a historical interpretation of the place.

Chapel and Local Traditions

The Chapel of Saint Catherine was completed on 18 October 1890 and consecrated on 15 August 1891, together with the cross beside it. The two dates follow a clear sequence: first the building was completed, then it was consecrated. For services, Father Stanislav Kovář, a priest serving in Lovčice, travels to the chapel in Nechvalín to celebrate them there. The chapel’s historical construction dates therefore sit alongside its present-day use for services.

The preserved local half-Haná folk costumes are worn especially during the Kateřinské hody, which take place in late November. To place these events in time, note the distinction: 1261 and 1890 and 1891 belong to the history of the town and its buildings, while late November is when the Kateřinské hody take place. The historical years and the date of the celebration thus serve different purposes when placing the town’s cultural history and traditions in context.

Vineyard Plots and the Kyjovská vinařská stezka

Nechvalín’s vineyards lie on south- and west-facing slopes. The vineyard plots include “Borový čtvrtě,” “Kučky” and “Lovecký.” The compass directions describe the location of the slopes, while the names identify specific vineyard plots. This gives visitors two different points of reference for local winegrowing: the orientation of the vineyards and the names of the plots.

The Kyjovská vinařská stezka also passes through Nechvalín. It complements the information about the vineyard plots with a route through the town. This gives visitors two distinct points of reference for wine: the plots and slope orientations on the one hand, and the route through Nechvalín on the other. Depending on whether you are especially interested in local history, traditions or winegrowing, you will find different specific points of interest for your stay here.

Discover more destinations: Dolní Bojanovice, Šardice, Kozojídky, Blatnička, Lužice, Žarošice, Archlebov, Syrovín.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Hodonín.