At the end of September, a group of Slovak journalists discovered the hidden attractions of the Highlands. During the trip, which was prepared for them by the team of the CzechTourism Foreign Representation in Slovakia, they got to know the iconic UNESCO monuments, enjoyed cultural experiences and relaxation in a spa resort. Among other things, they visited the National Memorial of Interception in Lipnice nad Sázavou, the 8smička Gallery in Humpolec and other more and less known places in this picturesque region of Czechia.
Highlands within reach of Slovak tourists
“We have chosen Vysočina because it is easily accessible to Slovak tourists and has a huge potential for growth in visitor numbers. We wanted to showcase lesser-known places that are definitely worth seeing,“ says Nora Gill, Director of CzechTourism's Foreign Representation for Slovakia and adds: “We also wanted to shift the focus from the iconic places of Czechia to the lesser known, but not uninteresting ones. We chose Hašek in Lipnica, which belongs to the common Czechoslovak history, as well as the upcoming 17th November, which is referred to by the National Memorial to the interception in the flooded quarries around Lipnica. Another cultural attraction is the 8smička Gallery, which can be a perfect value-added stop on the way from Bratislava to Prague or vice versa. And we couldn't leave out the UNESCO-protected St. Procopius Basilica and the Jewish Quarter in Trebic, which is in the middle of the Highlands and perhaps a bit off the usual travel routes.“
Lipnice nad Sázavou - a hidden treasure with a great story
In Lipnice nad Sázavou, the journalists visited the unique National Memorial to Wiretapping, which commemorates the practices of the past regime. They were introduced to the local history and symbolism by Jaroslav Hašek's great-grandson, artist and sculptor Radomír Dvořák, the author of the oversized sculptures set into disused granite quarries. The individual works form a cycle – mouth, ear and eyes as symbols of denunciation, eavesdropping and surveillance. The memorial receives up to 70,000 visitors a year.
Lipnice, far from any major city, remained until recently on the periphery of tourist interest. However, the National Memorial to the Wiretap, together with the castle and the house where Jaroslav Hašek lived, put it on the cultural tourist map and the number of curious travellers increased several times.
Relax in the spa and art in Humpolec
The journalists also tried Ayurvedic treatments at the former climatic baths near Počátky. In addition to therapeutic massages and yoga lessons, they could enjoy meditation in a circle of druids or just stroll along the surrounding hiking trails. And they also visited the Ayurvedic pavilion. The icing on the cake was the Ayurvedic refreshments in the hotel restaurant.
After a rest, the participants headed to the 8smička Gallery of Contemporary Art in Humpolec, which operates in the premises of a former textile factory. For a symbolic 8 crowns visitors enter the architecturally beautifully renovated building. The gallery offers exhibitions of Czech and foreign artists and impresses visitors not only with its appearance but also with its varied programme. On the ground floor, people can browse temporary exhibitions curated by renowned experts with rich loans. Then, on the floor plan of the apartment designed by Dominik Lang, they will go through the story of Czech art with art historian Anežka Chalupová, who presents in detail dozens of works from the private collection of the owners of Galerie 8smičky.
Jewish Heritage and St. Procopius Basilica
The culmination of the sightseeing trip for the selected Slovak media was a visit to Trebic, where their representatives toured the Jewish Quarter and the Basilica of St. Procopius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fascinating stories of Jewish inhabitants and local houses were presented by the guide Linda Navrátilová. The exceptional cultural experience was pleasantly concluded with a tasting of traditional sweets baked according to local recipes.
The beautiful weather enhanced the beauty of the castle and its garden in Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou. A surprise for everyone was a demonstration of playing the church organ in the Church of St. Margaret by the local guide. The last stop on the tour of this region was a visit to the Museum of Highlands in Trebic.
The general public in Slovakia will soon also enjoy the experience of a journey through the Highlands
Expected media outputs will soon appear in the cultural section of the daily Pravda, in the GEO magazine, on the waves of Radio Devín and Radio FM. Online media such as ženyvmeste.sk and plnielanu.sk will offer reports with rich photo documentation.
“We have chosen Vysočina because it is easily accessible to Slovak tourists and has a huge potential for growth in visitor numbers. We wanted to showcase lesser-known places that are definitely worth seeing,“ says Nora Gill, Director of CzechTourism's Foreign Representation for Slovakia and adds: “We also wanted to shift the focus from the iconic places of Czechia to the lesser known, but not uninteresting ones. We chose Hašek in Lipnica, which belongs to the common Czechoslovak history, as well as the upcoming 17th November, which is referred to by the National Memorial to the interception in the flooded quarries around Lipnica. Another cultural attraction is the 8smička Gallery, which can be a perfect value-added stop on the way from Bratislava to Prague or vice versa. And we couldn't leave out the UNESCO-protected St. Procopius Basilica and the Jewish Quarter in Trebic, which is in the middle of the Highlands and perhaps a bit off the usual travel routes.“
Lipnice nad Sázavou - a hidden treasure with a great story
In Lipnice nad Sázavou, the journalists visited the unique National Memorial to Wiretapping, which commemorates the practices of the past regime. They were introduced to the local history and symbolism by Jaroslav Hašek's great-grandson, artist and sculptor Radomír Dvořák, the author of the oversized sculptures set into disused granite quarries. The individual works form a cycle – mouth, ear and eyes as symbols of denunciation, eavesdropping and surveillance. The memorial receives up to 70,000 visitors a year.
Lipnice, far from any major city, remained until recently on the periphery of tourist interest. However, the National Memorial to the Wiretap, together with the castle and the house where Jaroslav Hašek lived, put it on the cultural tourist map and the number of curious travellers increased several times.
Relax in the spa and art in Humpolec
The journalists also tried Ayurvedic treatments at the former climatic baths near Počátky. In addition to therapeutic massages and yoga lessons, they could enjoy meditation in a circle of druids or just stroll along the surrounding hiking trails. And they also visited the Ayurvedic pavilion. The icing on the cake was the Ayurvedic refreshments in the hotel restaurant.
After a rest, the participants headed to the 8smička Gallery of Contemporary Art in Humpolec, which operates in the premises of a former textile factory. For a symbolic 8 crowns visitors enter the architecturally beautifully renovated building. The gallery offers exhibitions of Czech and foreign artists and impresses visitors not only with its appearance but also with its varied programme. On the ground floor, people can browse temporary exhibitions curated by renowned experts with rich loans. Then, on the floor plan of the apartment designed by Dominik Lang, they will go through the story of Czech art with art historian Anežka Chalupová, who presents in detail dozens of works from the private collection of the owners of Galerie 8smičky.
Jewish Heritage and St. Procopius Basilica
The culmination of the sightseeing trip for the selected Slovak media was a visit to Trebic, where their representatives toured the Jewish Quarter and the Basilica of St. Procopius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fascinating stories of Jewish inhabitants and local houses were presented by the guide Linda Navrátilová. The exceptional cultural experience was pleasantly concluded with a tasting of traditional sweets baked according to local recipes.
The beautiful weather enhanced the beauty of the castle and its garden in Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou. A surprise for everyone was a demonstration of playing the church organ in the Church of St. Margaret by the local guide. The last stop on the tour of this region was a visit to the Museum of Highlands in Trebic.
The general public in Slovakia will soon also enjoy the experience of a journey through the Highlands
Expected media outputs will soon appear in the cultural section of the daily Pravda, in the GEO magazine, on the waves of Radio Devín and Radio FM. Online media such as ženyvmeste.sk and plnielanu.sk will offer reports with rich photo documentation.