Nechvalín combines traces of the past with a clearly defined winegrowing theme. Archaeological finds, the site of a former knight’s stronghold and the Chapel of St. Catherine offer different points of reference in the village’s history. There are also several named vineyard plots and a wine route that passes through the village. This mix offers different ways to choose a travel destination: you can explore historical themes and local winegrowing, as well as the route itself.

Finds and the Former Knight’s Stronghold

Nechvalín is first mentioned in a forged founding charter of the Vizovice Monastery dated to 1261. The year dates the charter; it is not the date when the former stronghold was built. The stronghold was probably built in the first half of the 14th century. The site of the former knight’s stronghold is listed as an immovable cultural monument. The early written mention and the site of the later stronghold can therefore be understood as distinct points of reference in the village’s history.

Finds from the Nechvalín burial ground offer another way to explore the past: four iron swords, seven axes and six spears, as well as spurs, jewellery and vessels. The finds suggest that Nechvalín was among the important Great Moravian strongholds. This interpretation places the grave finds in a historical context, while the former stronghold, probably built in the 14th century, offers a different point of reference in time.

The Chapel of St. Catherine

The chapel takes the village’s history into a later period. It was completed on 18 October 1890 and consecrated on 15 August 1891, together with the cross standing beside it. Completion and consecration mark two separate steps, not a single event. Today, too, P. Stanislav Kovář, a priest based in Lovčice, travels to the chapel in Nechvalín to celebrate services there. The building’s chronology and its connection to religious services thus sit side by side.

Vineyard Plots and the Wine Route

The wine theme in Nechvalín is linked to three specific plot names: “Borový čtvrtě”, “Kučky” and “Lovecký”. The vineyards lie on south- and west-facing slopes. The Kyjov Wine Trail also passes through the village. The plot names and slope orientations describe the vineyards themselves, while the trail provides a route to follow. Local winegrowing and a named route through Nechvalín are thus two distinct aspects of the destination.

Traditional Costumes and Kateřinské Hody

Another local tradition is the preservation of the local half-Haná costumes. They are worn especially at Kateřinské hody, held at the end of November. This gives the cultural theme a seasonal connection, distinct from the chapel’s events, which have specific dates. Archaeological finds, the former stronghold, the chapel and the costume tradition associated with the hody offer different perspectives on the history and culture of Nechvalín.

Discover more destinations: Žádovice, Mutěnice, Moravany and Kyjov, Lužice, Tvarožná Lhota, Skoronice, Prušánky, Radějov.

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