Židlochovice, Brno-Country District, South Moravian Region, Czech Republic

🇨🇿 Židlochovice (Groß Seelowitz) is a town in Brno-Country District in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic.

Geography Židlochovice is located about 16 km (10 mi) south of Brno. It lies in the Dyje–Svratka Valley. The highest point is the hill Výhon at 355 m (1,165 ft) above sea level. The town is situated in the valley of the river Svratka.

History The first written mention of Židlochovice is from 1237. Among the owners of the Židlochovice estate were the houses of Pernštejn, Zierotin, Dietrichstein, and Habsburg. In 1873, Židlochovice was promoted to a town.

Until 1918, Groß Seelowitz – Židlochovice was part of Austria-Hungary in the Auspitz – Hustopeče District, one of the 34 Bezirkshauptmannschaften in Moravia.

Economy Židlochovice is known for viticulture and wine-making. The town lies in the Velkopavlovická wine subregion.

Sights The landmark of the town is the Židlochovice Castle. It was originally built in the 14th century as a water fortress, then it was gradually rebuilt into an aristocratic residence. The main reconstruction was the Baroque reconstruction that took place during the rule of Count Philipp Ludwig Wenzel von Sinzendorf between 1696 and 1742, who chose Židlochovice as his main seat. Today it is owned by a state company which takes care of the forests, and is not accessible to the public. The castle includes a 22 hectares (54 acres) large castle park, which was founded in the early 18th century and is freely accessible.