Kadov brings together a natural feature and a multifaceted sacred history. The village lies in a flat valley of the Kadovský potok stream, in a sheltered location. Above Kadov rises Kadovský kopec, also known as Kadovská hora, at 367 m above sea level. Nearby is Kadovská skála, a former limestone quarry with a natural character. It was designated a natural monument with effect from 1 June 2022; numerous rare plants grow there.
Valley, Hill and Natural Monument
The landscape features each have a distinct character: At its height, Kadovský kopec provides a topographical reference point above the village. Kadovská skála combines its former use as a limestone quarry with its natural character and rare plants. Those interested in Kadov’s landscape will find both a prominent hill and a specifically designated natural monument here.
Sacred Architecture and Art
The Church of St Philip and St James brings together several building phases. Its presbytery is Early Gothic and was remodelled in the Late Gothic period; the nave and tower date from the end of the 15th century. In 1822, the church was dedicated to the two saints and enlarged with the Chapel of St Margaret.
You can also encounter notable examples of sacred art outside the church. The cemetery gate in Kadov features a Pietà dated 1734, as well as statues of St Roch, St Sebastian and St Rosalia. In the village square stands a statue of St John of Nepomuk dated 1738, a fine example of High Baroque sculpture.
On the edge of the village stands a small sacred structure of the Boží muka type. The building dates from the late 16th century and has been preserved without its lantern. It also serves as a prominent landmark. Together with the church, cemetery gate and statue in the village square, it provides one of several distinct points of reference for Kadov’s sacred history, each distinguished by its form, date and location.
Early History and Festival Dates
Kadov was first mentioned in a written record in 1235. From 1230 to 1400, the parish of Kadov was under the patronage of the Dubravnik Convent.
Two approximate dates in the church calendar may also be relevant when planning your trip. The pilgrimage celebration falls on the Sunday after the feast of St Philip and St James, around 3 May. The hody festival is scheduled for the Sunday around the feast day of St Bartholomew, approximately 24 August. Check the date for the year in question if you would like to plan your trip around either celebration. The approximate dates are several months apart: the pilgrimage celebration takes place in May, while the hody festival is in August. This gives you two different time windows to choose from when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Korolupy, Prokopov, Boskovštejn, Trstěnice, Blanné, Bítov, Dobronice, Rozkoš
For the broader travel overview: Okres Znojmo.
