Discover Radešín: Castle History and Balloon Museum

Radešín combines castle history, religious buildings and the history of hot-air balloon manufacturing. If you are planning a trip focused on culture, you will encounter different periods here: the castle’s founding in the 13th century, its Baroque transformation, chapels from the 19th century and a balloon museum that opened in 2019. The museum visit is the main thing to plan separately, as there are no fixed opening hours; visits are arranged by phone.

Radešín Castle: Monastic History and Baroque Architecture

Radešín Castle was founded in the second half of the 13th century as a monastic farm of the Cistercians. It also served as a rural retreat where Cistercian abbots could rest. Between 1706 and 1710, the castle was remodelled in the Baroque style; this work is attributed to Jan Blažej Santini-Aichl. The early monastic use and later Baroque influence thus represent different periods in the castle’s history.

Drive to the castle via the Bohdalec–Radešín road. About 100 m beyond the “Radešín” town sign, turn right. Check this practical route information again before setting off.

Balloon Museum in the Castle

The museum of the history of balloon manufacturing opened in the castle in 2019. It covers the development and manufacture of hot-air balloons in Czechoslovakia and later in the Czech Republic. Its focus is therefore on the history of technology and manufacturing; the two state contexts mentioned place this development in its historical timeline. The museum has no fixed opening hours. Visits are arranged by phone at +420 734 44 30 30. Call before you arrive to arrange a visit and include it in your travel plans accordingly.

Chapels and Pilgrimage

The chapel in Radešín, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was built in 1884. It was solemnly consecrated on 15 August 1887. Another religious site is the niche chapel of the Virgin Mary in Radešín Castle Park: it was restored in 2007 based on historical photographs and the memories of eyewitnesses. The 19th-century construction and consecration history is thus complemented by a later restoration based on photographic material and eyewitness accounts.

The Radešín pilgrimage is celebrated annually and includes a festive pilgrimage Mass at the Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is a recurring occasion alongside the historic construction and consecration dates. If you are interested in religious traditions, you can take this annual event into account when planning your trip, along with the castle’s history and the Balloon Museum.

Radešín on the Santiniho stezka Vysočinou

The Santiniho stezka Vysočinou also links a visit to the castle with a sequence of other places. Along the route, a lunch at the Balónový hotel in Radešín and a visit to the castle are followed by the places Sklené and Ostrov nad Oslavou. This sequence places Radešín within the wider itinerary described.

Discover more destinations: Lavičky, Horní Radslavice, Uhřínov, Jámy, Horní Rožínka, Oslavička, Polnička and Osové.

For the main travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.