Litostrov can be explored through several specific historical points of reference: its first written mention in 1376, stone crosses from different periods, and two chapels with their own distinctive features. Also nearby are the Kozí hřbet archaeological site and the Hornická themed cycling loop. This brings local history, prehistory and mining history together as distinct themes.

Local history and architecture

The first written mention of Litostrov dates from 1376. After the Thirty Years’ War, only five houses remained in the village. Together, these details mark different moments in local history: the early written record and a major turning point after the war. They provide two historical reference points before we turn to the later stone monuments.

A stone cross dating from 1781 bears an inscription naming Franc Korotvicka and Jiří Fijala as its builders. A stone cross dating from 1910 stands in front of houses numbered 56 and 57. The two names on the inscription are central to the older cross; the location of the 1910 cross can be identified by its house numbers.

In the centre of Litostrov, the Chapel of St. Florian (Kaple sv. Floriána) is a landmark; it dates from 1853. There is also a new chapel with a simple square floor plan in front of house number 11. The buildings have different points of interest: the Chapel of St. Florian is notable for its date and central location, while the new chapel stands out for its simple form. This gives architecture enthusiasts an opportunity to compare a dated village-centre landmark with a clearly geometric design.

Kozí hřbet and the archaeological site

The archaeological site is called Litostrov–Kozí hřbet. Kozí hřbet lies three kilometres southeast of the centre of Litostrov, above the confluence of the Bobrava and Bílá Voda rivers. Remains of a fortified hilltop settlement of the Horákov culture have been preserved on Kozí hřbet. It dates from the Hallstatt period of the 7th to 6th centuries BC; remains of the fortifications have also survived. For those interested in archaeology, the focus is on the culture, period and type of settlement.

This prehistoric settlement offers a different timescale from Litostrov’s first written mention in 1376 and the dated crosses and chapels. The landscape is also part of the local character: Litostrov is still rich in fields and forests. These natural features complement the buildings and archaeological history, without any one theme defining the village on its own.

Explore the Hornická cycling loop

The Hornická themed cycling loop passes through Litostrov. It runs from the Oslava Valley to Bílý potok through the former Rosice–Oslavany coalfield and focuses on mining heritage monuments. Its theme thus differs from the prehistoric settlement on Kozí hřbet: here, mining heritage takes centre stage, while there, the focus is on the Horákov culture and the fortified hilltop settlement.

If you plan to cycle the route, check the waymarkers locally. Its thematic focus makes it easy to choose between two distinct historical themes: the archaeological settlement on Kozí hřbet and the mining heritage monuments along the Hornická.

Discover more destinations: Olší, Moutnice, Sentice, Vlasatice, Kaly, Žatčany, Oslavany, Nové Bránice.

Return to the regional travel overview: Brno-Country District.