Polešovice: Wine, History and Views

Polešovice lies at the transition between the Lower Morava Valley and the Chřiby Mountains. History, winegrowing and routes around the Floriánka lookout tower offer different perspectives on the town: from the Baroque church to a short walking route and a longer cycling trail.

Church and History

The first written mention of Polešovice dates back to 1220. At the time, the town belonged to the newly founded Cistercian monastery in Velehrad. The Church of St Peter and Paul is the largest building on the estates of Velehrad Monastery. Despite several renovations and restorations, it has preserved its original Baroque design, both inside and out. Its history can therefore be understood through both its connection to the monastery and its architecture.

The Polešovice folk costume also has a clearly defined regional identity: it belongs to the dolácké costumes of the Uherské Hradiště type in the lower Morava region. Between 150 and 200 people in costume take part in Slovácké hody s právem in Polešovice; the event takes place on the second Sunday in October. If you would like to plan your stay around this festival or another event, check that year’s programme.

Wine Tradition and Floriánka

The history of winegrowing stretches far back: the oldest documented name of a vineyard in Polešovice is Mniška, dating from 1454. The vineyard belonged to a monastery. Today, winegrowing is represented by the Šlechtitelská stanice vinařská in Polešovice. Associated with the station are a wine information centre with a shop and the Golanské výšiny tasting room.

The name Floriánka also has a connection to winegrowing. The 20.2-metre-high lookout tower is named after a white wine grape variety. Floriánka was bred at the local wine-breeding station in Polešovice and entered in the State Variety Register in 2010. From the south side of the tower, the view extends across the entire White Carpathians and the Hostýn Hills to the Pálava Hills.

Wine is also part of the annual calendar: the Košt vína takes place every year at Easter and brings together local and visiting winegrowers. Hody and the Košt offer two different opportunities to experience local traditions; for specific planning, check the current programme.

Routes Around Polešovice

The Stezka pod Floriánkou is just under two kilometres long and leads through the Skalka forest park in Polešovice. The walk includes ten fun activities along the route; you can also try a wooden ball run as you walk beside the vineyards. Its short distance makes this route a different planning option from a longer bike ride, without implying any particular walking time.

The Stezka Muškátu moravského is a 42-kilometre cycling trail. Its route runs through Uherské Hradiště, Kostelany nad Moravou, Nedakonice, Polešovice, Boršice, Buchlovice, Zlechov and Staré Město, before returning to Uherské Hradiště. If you are choosing between the two routes, you can first compare their distances and types of activity: just under two kilometres through the forest park on the one hand, and a 42-kilometre cycling route on the other.

Another historical feature along the way is the stone reconciliation cross of Polešovice. It stands beside a field path, is about 1.5 metres high and probably dates from the 16th century. Together with the church and stories of winegrowing, it adds to the scenic and active aspects of a stay in Polešovice.

Discover more destinations: Uherské Hradiště, Modrá, Uherský Ostroh, Veletiny, Topolná, Vlčnov, Velehrad, Šumice.

For the wider travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.