Baroque architecture, historic garden design and local history give Buchlovice a distinct cultural focus. The castle, its park and garden are part of this, as are the Muzeum Podhradí in a former manor barn and St. Martin’s Church. Also worth seeing are the fuchsia exhibition in the castle nursery and the sulphur baths of Lázně Leopoldov at Smraďavka. When planning your visit, you can decide whether the castle and garden, regional history or the spa town’s long history will shape your stay.

Castle and Garden: Baroque Architecture in Focus

Buchlovice Castle is one of the most significant Baroque aristocratic residences in the Czech Republic and is also considered one of the most significant and highest-quality examples of Moravian Baroque architecture. These two descriptions emphasize different aspects: the first refers to its standing among the country’s aristocratic residences, while the second highlights its architectural quality within Moravia. A political event is also part of the castle’s history: in 1908, a meeting between the Russian and Austro-Hungarian foreign ministers was held there under the auspices of the castle.

The castle complex, with its park and garden, is one of the most significant and best-preserved historic gardens in Bohemia and Moravia. Elements of an Italian Baroque garden survive in the historic garden. A visit therefore takes in not only the castle building but also a garden with its own design history. The SmartGuide audio guide can be used for a walk through the castle park; check its availability before your trip. At the recurring fuchsia exhibition, visitors can buy a fuchsia variety of their choice at the castle nursery, with expert guidance.

Local History at the Museum and St. Martin’s Church

The Muzeum Podhradí is housed in a renovated building that formerly served as a manor barn. Its exhibitions cover different subjects: the ground floor focuses on the fourteen municipalities of the Buchlov Microregion, while the attic explores the history, folk culture and lives of former Buchlovice residents. This brings regional connections and local ways of life together while keeping them distinct as separate subjects.

The early Baroque Church of St. Martin was built between 1640 and 1643 on the site of an older church. The main altar features a valuable copy of a painting by Van Dyck depicting Saint Martin. The tower houses four bells dating from 1519, 1680, 1686 and 1754. The dates span the early 16th to the 18th century, giving the bells their own historical timeline.

Lázně Leopoldov at Smraďavka

The sulphur baths of Lázně Leopoldov at Smraďavka are part of Buchlovice; they were established in 1805. A municipal list updated in 2020 mentions services for visitors other than spa guests as well. Before your trip, check whether these services are still available and whether visits are possible.

Discover more destinations: Nivnice, Kostelany Nad Moravou, Staré Hutě, Nedachlebice, Suchá Loz, Pitín, Šumice, Jalubí.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Uherské Hradiště.