Podhradí U Luhačovic: Holiday Apartments, Hiking Trails and Starý Světlov

Podhradí U Luhačovic is located in the immediate vicinity of the spa town of Luhačovice. The village stretches through the valley of the Pozlovický potok and is surrounded by forests on three sides. The access road to Podhradí ends beyond the village. The valley, forest and its unique location at the end of the road therefore form an integral part of the village’s character.

Nature

There are a number of marked hiking trails in and around Podhradí. A blue-marked hiking trail, approximately 30 kilometres long, leads from Luhačovice via Pozlovice, Starý Světlov, Spletený vrch, Kláštov, Svéradov and Mount Kopce to Čertovy skály, passing through Podhradí. The “Na Komonec nad Luhačovicemi” route combines an educational trail, marked hiking trails and forest paths, and can also be used by mountain bike.

On the outskirts of Podhradí, a small reservoir offers the opportunity for outdoor swimming during hot summer months. The springs are also part of the local landscape: the Sojsinka Spring is located on the educational trail below Starý Světlov. The Sirčena sulphur spring also rises at the upper end of Podhradí. Its protected surroundings include a landscaped rest area. Near the Turecký kříž grows the rare service tree, Jeřab oskeruše, estimated to be more than 300 years old.

Culture

One of Podhradí’s notable features is its wooden bell tower, which forms part of the characteristic folk architecture of Luhačovské Zálesí. The village is also home to a wooden log chapel, typologically reminiscent of Jurkovič’s buildings at Pustevny. The Turecký kříž is a stone cross dating from 1663 and a memorial to the wars against the Turks.

Northwest of Podhradí lies the extensive ruin of the medieval castle of Starý Světlov, built in the 14th century; its remains have been preserved on the site. Simple terrain steps have been installed in places that are difficult to access to prevent visitors from damaging the terrain. An information system at Starý Světlov presents the construction history of the castle.

History

Podhradí was first mentioned in 1563, at that time under the name Podhradí Starosvětlovské. The castle complex also preserves significant archaeological traces. Fragments of the construction of a drawbridge were found in the castle gate. Remains of a medieval counterfeiters’ workshop were discovered in one of the rooms of the palace.

Every year, Starý Světlov hosts guided castle tours and lectures on the history and significance of the site. Podhradí organises these events in cooperation with the National Heritage Institute and the Museum of Luhačovické Zálesí. In summer, Podhradí hosts the Anenská pouť, known locally as the Podhradská pouť, which offers an extensive cultural programme and fairground rides.

Other Places

More places to discover: Jasenná, Bohuslavice Nad Vláří, Slavičín, Kašava, Kaňovice, Štítná Nad Vláří-Popov, Březnice, Poteč.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zlín District.