While traveling through the Czech Republic a couple of weeks ago, we made a stop at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape (also known as Lednice-Valtice Complex), located in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic.
The gorgeous chateau on this property was the principal Liechtenstein residence for over 700 years, from 1249 until 1939 and World War II. It is in superb condition.
The Dukes of Liechtenstein also designed an incredible traditional English landscape park between the 17th and 20th centuries which surrounds the chateau. There are rooms upon rooms of gardens, delineated by lovely hedges.
When we approached the property (covering nearly 110 square miles), we were awestruck by the beautiful gothic structure of the chateau. But as soon as I looked to the right and the left of the chateau, I was blown away by the beautiful gardens and just had to see all of them before we had to leave for our next destination.
One of the most remarkable things on the estate was one of the most beautiful conservatories I have ever seen in my lifetime. It is not only huge (below), but it is in pristine condition – inside and out. I WANT ONE!!! It was hard to leave this beautiful building.
I also discovered a wooded garden as I left the rose garden. It was such a peaceful place where I would definitely return if I had regular access to this garden.
As I mentioned, hedges and structure in general are a significant part of the garden. Imagine my surprise when I found an opening through some hedges and discovered pathways in the middle! (Yes – the picture below is in the middle of a gigantic hedge wall!)
The Lichtenstein family opposed the Nazi’s annexation of Czech territory at the beginning of World War II and as a result their property was confiscated by the Nazis and the family relocated. After World War II, the family made several attempts for restitution, but the new Soviet Czechoslovakia didn’t allow estates to be be returned to exiled aristocratic landowners. When the Soviets finally left Czechoslovakia, The Czech state took possession of the property, which it still holds today. Unfortunately, the Lichtenstein family heirs were never able to regain their breathtaking property.
It is such a sad story for the Liechtenstein family, but thankfully UNESCO has preserved it so it may be enjoyed by many for generations to come. Thanks to UNESCO, we will be forever grateful to the Liechtenstein family.
