Rosa Coeli Monastery

If you are looking for a unique historical and cultural experience, visit the ruins of the Rosa Coeli Monastery in Dolní Kounice. Originally the home of the Premonstratensian order, it is now one of the most visited sights in the region. The Gothic style has been preserved in the ruins of the church, monastery buildings and fortifications, making Rosa Coeli a fascinating and magical place. Because of its unique atmosphere, the area is used by film crews and for various cultural events. In addition, thanks to the integrated solution, the monastery will see a comprehensive restoration that will focus on revitalising the historic parts of the monument, making its surroundings more attractive, and connecting it to the new cycle route.

Although the complex is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Brno Metropolitan Area, its potential is far from being exploited: some parts of it are in poor condition and there are no facilities for tourists. The integrated solution connects four interrelated projects.

The first part of the project will focus on the revitalisation of selected parts of the monument, which are now in an unsatisfactory technical condition. The interior of the church, the chapel and the paradise courtyard will be restored. The project will also include a new exhibition for visitors focusing on the history of the site, and wheelchair access will be provided on the ground floor of the monastery. In addition, restoration work and archaeological research will be carried out to find out more about the condition and history of the unique building.

The second part of the integrated solution aims to make the surroundings of the monastery more attractive. A new information centre and the missing social facilities will be built for visitors. The information centre will replace the temporary wooden stand and provide facilities for guides and visitors. The third part is the revitalisation and opening up of the adjacent garden, which is currently closed. New trees and shrubs will be planted and high quality furnishings will be provided to make the garden a place for relaxation and recreation.

The last important element of the integrated solution is the connection of Ivančice and Dolní Kounice via a cycle path. The 15-kilometre route will connect to the international Greenway cycle path between Krakow and Vienna and will link to the transfer terminal in Ivančice, which in turn connects the town with nearby Brno. The projects will increase the development and accessibility of the area for both local residents and visitors from Brno and the surrounding area.

With the help of the ITI tool, the entire integrated solution was financed by the Integrated Regional Operational Programme (IROP) of the Ministry for Regional Development, in the areas of restoration and maintenance of cultural heritage (restoration of the monastery), development of infrastructure for tourism (information centre), development of blue-green infrastructure (revitalisation of the garden) and construction of cycle paths. All works should be completed by 2026. We are also pleased that the integrated solution has been included in the list of strategic projects of the IROP programme, which will give it attention at European level. All the works will cost approximately CZK 90 million, of which the subsidy from the ITI represents two thirds of the total amount, i.e. CZK 60 million.

The integrated solution will contribute to the development of Dolní Kounice as a tourist destination. Thanks to the restoration of the monastery and the construction of a new cycle path, the town will become more attractive for visitors from the entire Brno Metropolitan Area. Tourists will have the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of the Rosa Coeli Monastery and enjoy the comfort and convenience of modern facilities. At the same time, the accessibility of the town for locals and tourists will be improved. Visitors will spend more time in Dolní Kounice and support local entrepreneurs. This will make the town an even more attractive place to live and do business.