Programme

Due to the capacity limits of the cave tours, departures from Hotel Continental will be divided into two groups. The first group will leave 30 minutes before the second group, at approximately 12:15 pm and 12:45 pm respectively. The cave tours will start at 14:20 and 15:00. The buses will then depart from the Moravian Karst at 16:30, returning to Brno in time for a one-hour guided tour of Petrov. Afterwards, we will walk to the Skanzeen Restaurant for the conference dinner, which starts at 19:00.

Punkva Caves

The Punkva Caves are a remarkable cave system in the Moravian Karst, formed around the underground Punkva River. They feature both dry and water-filled passages, domes, chasms, and small underground lakes. The caves were gradually explored during the first half of the 20th century, largely thanks to the pioneering work of Karel Absolon. They are part of the largest cave system in the Czech Republic, which extends for more than 50 km.

The caves are connected to the dry floor of the nearby Macocha Abyss, whose sinkhole is approximately 138.5 metres deep, making it the deepest of its kind in Central Europe. During the excursion, we will see the abyss both from above and from its very bottom. The tour will also include an underground boat trip along the Punkva River, offering a unique opportunity to experience the caves from the water.

Guided tour of Petrov

The tour begins at the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, one of Brno’s most distinctive Gothic landmarks, standing on Petrov Hill above the medieval city centre. The cathedral’s bells famously ring at 11 am instead of noon, commemorating a legendary trick that helped to turn back the Swedish forces besieging Brno during the Thirty Years’ War.

From there, the walk continues through the Denis Gardens, a park laid out around 1814. The route then follows Václav Havel Alley down to the Capuchin Gardens, originally established in 1667 for the neighbouring Capuchin monastery and recently reopened to the public after decades of closure. The tour will likely conclude at Zelný trh (Cabbage Market), one of Brno’s main squares and marketplaces since the 13th century. At its centre stands the Baroque Parnas Fountain, while the square itself is considered one of the oldest continuously operating markets of its kind in Central Europe.

Conference dinner at Skanzeen

The conference dinner will take place at Skanzeen, a family-run restaurant near Mendel’s Square, that has been serving guests since 2002. The restaurant specialises in traditional Czech, Slovak, and Wallachian cuisine. The evening will feature a tasting of 10 wines, followed by a buffet dinner offering a variety of hot and cold dishes. Part of the evening will be accompanied by live cimbalom music, adding a distinctly Moravian touch to the experience.