Litenčice: Castle History, Culture and Cycling Routes

Litenčice lies in the heart of the Litenčická pahorkatina uplands. At the same time, it is a transport hub: a second-class road from Prostějov to Kyjov meets a third-class road between Kroměříž and Litenčice here. Check the road layout before setting off to plan your specific route.

Castle and wine-growing history

Zámek Litenčice Castle is a two-storey, four-wing complex. It developed from a Gothic fortress, which was transformed into its present form through Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical alterations. The castle has been protected as a cultural monument since 1958. Important for your plans: the castle is not open to the public. Do not plan to visit its interior.

Vineyards have belonged to the castle since the 16th century; there is also a Renaissance wine cellar beneath the castle. The history of wine-growing thus adds another historical dimension to the building’s development.

Church and historical traces

Kostel sv. Petra a Pavla Church is considered one of Litenčice’s most significant landmarks and dates from around 1700. It is listed as a cultural monument. Its furnishings include four altars; the main altar is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. The last renovation took place between 1740 and 1760. The church grounds also contain a stone Baroque crucifix dating from 1757. Kaple Panny Marie Chapel is also part of Litenčice’s surviving heritage.

Archaeological investigations at the Obecnice hill in Litenčice uncovered 153 graves dating from the time of the Great Moravian Empire. These finds extend the historical picture beyond the visible buildings.

Natural monument and geological site

In addition to the church, the tree Jilm v Litenčicích is protected as a natural monument. The Litenčice geological site is a former sand pit with Carpathian delta sands containing numerous macrofauna fragments. An exceptional exposure in the Carpathian sands and the nesting of the European bee-eater are among the reasons why protection has been recommended for the site. This recommendation should be distinguished from a legal protection status that is already in force.

The site is designated as a geotourism attraction and excursion site. However, access is possible only with special permission. Before planning a visit, check whether the necessary permission has been granted.

Cycling routes through the uplands

The Litenčické cyklotrasy form a network of signposted local cycling routes. It connects municipalities and places of interest in the gently rolling terrain of the Litenčická pahorkatina uplands. The network comprises four circular routes with a total length of approximately 180 kilometres.

One of the named routes is the Velký Litenčický okruh. It runs through the middle of the Litenčická pahorkatina and connects Vyškov in the western part of the region with Morkovice-Slížany in the east. To find your way, distinguish between the network as a whole and this individual loop: the approximately 180 kilometres refers to all four circular routes combined, not to the length of the Velký Litenčický okruh.

Discover more destinations: Šelešovice, Zdounky, Rajnochovice, Zástřizly, Zahnašovice, Kvasice, Němčice, Chvalčov.

For the wider travel overview: Kroměříž District.