Kladeruby nad Oslavou combines history with two distinctive structures: the hunting lodge Vlčí Kopec and the Babylon lookout tower. Both are located within the cadastral area of the municipality, and their construction dates are only a few years apart. A route of tourist importance links Náměšť nad Oslavou with the hunting lodge, passes the lookout tower and continues as far as the Mohelenská hadcová step. Historic routes and the protected landscape also shape the history of the municipality.
The history of Vlčí Kopec and Babylon
Kladeruby nad Oslavou is first mentioned in written sources in 1368; at the time, the place was called Kladoruby. The hunting lodge Vlčí Kopec, also known as Heinrichslust, was built in 1829–1830 by Jindřich Vilém Haugvic of Biskupice. It stands on a wooded slope high above the Oslava. It remained in the possession of the Haugvic family until it was nationalized in 1945.
The Babylon lookout tower was built on Zelený kopec in 1831 by Count Jindřich Vilém Haugwitz. Frescoes in the viewing level depict the individual signs of the zodiac. The construction dates of the lodge and the tower are therefore close together; the zodiac signs also give the tower a distinctive feature. Visitors interested in architecture and historic design will find two different details here: the history of ownership of the hunting lodge and the tower’s frescoes.
Historic routes and landscape
Earlier connections also form part of the municipality’s history. The medieval Haberská cesta ran along Kladeruby. The historic Anina cesta led from the hunting lodge Vlčí Kopec to Náměšť nad Oslavou Castle, crossing the Oslava along the way. Another route of tourist importance links Náměšť nad Oslavou with the hunting lodge, passes the Babylon lookout tower and continues as far as the Mohelenská hadcová step. If you follow this route, check the current trail markings on site.
The Údolí Oslavy a Chvojnice Nature Reserve also includes the cadastral area of Kladeruby nad Oslavou. It is classified as a nature reserve and forms part of a site of European importance. Protected-area designations are therefore part of the context for the landscape around the municipality.
The Haugwitzova alej is a designated tree-lined avenue along the road to Vlčí Kopec, and it too lies within the cadastral area of Kladeruby nad Oslavou. It was first designated on 12 February 1976. A monument to the last stag shot in the estate’s domain also stands in the local woods. The avenue and monument complement the buildings with further specific connections to the landscape and its history.
Holiday rental and planning your visit
The buildings offer different aspects of a cultural theme; a trip via Babylon to the Mohelenská hadcová step is another way to plan your visit. If you include this route in your plans, check the current trail markings on site.
Discover more destinations: Chlum, Svatoslav, Třebelovice, Jakubov U Moravských Budějovic, Štěpkov, Trnava, Budkov, Okřešice.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Třebíč.
