The sugar industry, architecture associated with Adolf Loos and two crosses classified differently in historical terms give Hrušovany U Brna a distinctive cultural theme. The traditional Hrušovanské hody festival, along with rail and cycling connections, add to the picture. Planning a trip here therefore combines local history with questions about festival dates and how to get there.

The sugar industry and architectural history

The original sugar factory building was completed in 1882; the factory was one of the largest sugar factories in Moravia. The sugar refinery hall, dating from 1916, is also one of the municipality's landmark buildings. Adolf Loos is believed to have designed at least its exterior envelope, although this attribution is uncertain and limited to that part of the building.

Another connection to Loos is the home of sugar factory director Viktor Bauer. Loos designed it in 1918; it was the first building with a flat roof in Moravia. In the case of the hall, however, the attribution is limited to its exterior envelope and is only probable.

The Church of Panny Marie Královny adds a more recent building to this architectural history: it was built from 2000 to 2004 to a design by architect L. Vojtová. The interior was designed by Jiljí Šindlar.

Two crosses, two historical classifications

The Smírčí kříž, dating from 1595, is the oldest surviving monument in Hrušovany u Brna. Its form is considered a transition between a cross and a cross-stone; it bears a Latin cross and a six-line inscription. The Kamenný kříž, meanwhile, is the oldest ecclesiastical monument in the town and is attributed to the sculptor Jan Stern of Židlochovice. It was erected in memory of the hailstorm of 6 July 1781, which destroyed the entire harvest in the surrounding area. The two classifications therefore refer to different categories: the oldest surviving monument on the one hand, and the oldest ecclesiastical monument on the other.

Festival traditions and getting there

The Hrušovanské hody is a traditional community festival with roots in the 19th century. It usually lasts three days and includes raising the maypole, a procession in traditional costumes, a mass and a dance event. Dates and programmes may change from year to year; if you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates and the programme for that year in advance.

Hrušovany u Brna railway station is on the Tišnov–Brno–Hustopeče u Brna, Hrušovany u Brna–Židlochovice and (Brno–)Šakvice–Břeclav routes. There is a public car park and a bus stop near the station. As routes, services and facilities may change, check the timetable and facility information before travelling.

A cycle path connects Hrušovany u Brna with Židlochovice. A route description updated on 27 January 2023 also follows a green-marked hiking trail from Hrušovany u Brna railway station towards Židlochovice and onward to the Výhon lookout tower, skirting Vodárenský rybník. The description calls the pond an important landscape feature and says that local residents use it for walks, recreation and fishing. The information addresses different planning needs: the cycle path connects two towns, while the hiking description also gives the starting point at the railway station and the continuation to Výhon. Check the route before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Deblín, Otmarov, Veverská Bítýška, Ivančice, Bilovice Nad Svitavou, Lomnice, Hluboké Dvory, Olší.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Brno-Venkov.