Zakřany offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: the Chapel of St. Donát in the centre, reminders of the village’s history, and two trails with different characters. An educational trail between Zakřany and Zbýšov u Brna is 461 metres long; the Stezka permoníků (Gnomes’ Trail) runs through hilly terrain. There is also a brick wayside shrine northwest of Zakřany. When planning, consider whether architectural history, historical context or an outdoor route is your priority.

The Chapel of St. Donát and the History of Zakřany

The Chapel of St. Donát stands in the centre of Zakřany and, together with the village square, municipal office and fire-water reservoir, forms the natural centre of the municipality. Its building history encompasses two successive chapels: the present one was built in 1888, after the earlier chapel dating from 1856 had been demolished. The present chapel was consecrated on 15 June 1890; construction and consecration therefore mark different dates in the history of the same building. This valuable historicist building combines Romanesque architectural elements on the exterior with Baroque elements inside.

The story of the past extends beyond the chapel. Archaeological finds show that the area around Zakřany was already inhabited in the Neolithic period. The first written mention of Zakřany dates from 1350. It records that Oldřich of Zakřany transferred two lán units of land to Kateřina, the wife of Vilém of Skalice. These are two distinct historical perspectives: archaeological finds point to early settlement, while the 1350 account records a specific transfer between named individuals.

Another Religious Building

Northwest of Zakřany, in an open field beside the road towards Vysoké Popovice, stands a freestanding brick wayside shrine. It is topped with a four-sided pyramidal roof covered in sheet metal and an equal-armed cross. The location and design distinguish this shrine from the chapel in the centre: here, the roadside setting and distinctive roofline shape the impression.

Educational Trail and the Stezka permoníků

The educational trail between the South Moravian municipalities of Zakřany and Zbýšov u Brna provides learning opportunities for children and adults. It runs parallel to the road and is 461 metres long. A description from October 2019 says it is illuminated and lists around two dozen fruit trees and shrubs along the route.

The Stezka permoníků (Gnomes’ Trail) runs through hilly terrain with wide views and shady forests. The route alternates between climbs, level sections and fords; conditions on individual sections may vary. One of the stops on the route in Zakřany is a smírčí kámen (reconciliation stone).

The educational trail has a clearly stated length and learning purpose, while the Stezka permoníků is characterised by its terrain, views, forests and stops. This gives you a tangible distinction when choosing: a clearly measured educational route on one hand, and a trail with changing landscapes and sections on the other.

Discover more destinations: Troubsko, Rojetín, Braníškov, Kuřim, Horní Loučky, Doubravník, Jiříkovice, Osiky

For the broader travel overview: Brno-Country District.