In the northeastern part of the Znojmo region, amidst the rolling countryside of fruit-growers and winemakers, is the poetic valley town of Dolní Kounice. If you would like a bit of guidance and are spiritually inclined, you will enjoy some of the local sights.
The first point of interest is the magical ruins of the Rosa Coeli Monastery. The imposing torso of a former Gothic church impresses everyone, but it is said that more sensitive individuals can feel waves of positive energy emanating from its walls. The monastery and church date from 1181, and the complex was completed in the 14th century with a beautiful ambit and interior courtyard and the monastery castle on the hill, which the Premonstratensians had built to protect the monastery. The castle was later rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau, whose charm you can admire to this day. The Jewish monuments in Dolní Kounice are also worth visiting – a synagogue and houses in the former Jewish quarter and a cemetery on the outskirts of town. Also of note is the renowned quality of the red variety Blaufränkisch (Frankovka in Czech) from grapes grown in the steep local vineyards.
