Šardická Rezidence

Šardická Rezidence is a historic residential complex in the village of Šardice in South Moravia, set in the scenic wine region of Moravian Slovácko near the town of Kyjov.

What is the Šardice Residence?

The building was constructed between 1740 and 1742 by converting an old granary into a summer residence for the Augustinian order based in Old Brno. It served a genuinely representative role, housing a provostry, a prelature, a chapel, and a range of administrative and residential rooms, while also functioning as living quarters for the estate's agricultural inspector and as a summer retreat for the abbot and monks. Its most notable resident was Johann Gregor Mendel, the founder of modern genetics, who stayed here alongside the reform-minded abbot Cyril Napp — today the residence is the village's most significant listed monument.

How to get there?

Šardice lies in the Hodonín district, a short drive from Kyjov, right in the heart of the wine-growing Moravian Slovácko region. The village sits on the Mutěnice Wine Trail and on the roughly 65-kilometre Mutěnice cycling route, which is flat and easy to ride — making it simple to pair a visit to the residence with a tour of the surrounding vineyards. Locals sometimes call the area "Moravian Tuscany" for its rolling, sun-drenched vineyard hills, a favourite subject for photographers at golden hour.

What will you see inside?

The interior retains its original stone staircase and vaulted ceilings throughout, with the first-floor rooms further decorated in ornate stucco work. Today the building houses a unique permanent exhibition of historic weights and measures, a folk room displaying traditional local costumes, a ceremonial hall used for weddings, and a concert and lecture hall alongside additional exhibition space. A local tourist information centre also operates on site, making the residence a natural starting point for exploring Šardice and its surroundings.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The oldest building in the village, and a separately listed monument, is the Church of St Michael the Archangel — an early Baroque structure built on older Gothic foundations and remodelled in the 18th century. Nature lovers should head to the Čejkovické Špidláky natural monument and the Vyšicko lookout tower near Mutěnice, which offers sweeping views across the vineyard hills of Moravian Slovácko.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early summer bring the vineyards to life in green, while autumn is harvest season, filled with young-wine tastings and local traditions — arguably the most atmospheric time to visit. Summer is also ideal for cycling the Mutěnice route, and in winter the residence and its exhibitions remain open to visitors seeking a quieter, more intimate experience.

Most frequently asked questions

What was the Šardická Rezidence originally built for? It was built between 1740 and 1742 as a summer residence for the Augustinian order of Old Brno, converted from an old granary into a representative seat with a provostry, prelature, and chapel.

Who is connected to this place historically? Johann Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, stayed at the residence, as did the progressive abbot Cyril Napp, one of the most notable figures of the Brno monastery of his time.

What can visitors see inside today? A permanent exhibition of historic weights and measures, a folk room with regional costumes, a ceremonial hall for weddings, and a concert and lecture hall.

Is there anything else to see around Šardice? Yes — the Church of St Michael the Archangel, the Čejkovické Špidláky natural monument, the Vyšicko lookout tower, and the wine and cycling trails of the region known as Moravian Tuscany.