Kolonáda Reistna Travel Guide

Kolonáda Reistna, also known as Rajsna, is a captivating historical landmark situated on Homole Hill, near the charming town of Valtice in the Czech Republic. This impressive colonnade was erected between 1810 and 1817 by Prince John Joseph I of Liechtenstein to honor the memory of his father, Franz Joseph I, and his brothers, Philip Joseph and Alois I. The structure, designed in the style of a Greek triumphal arch, serves as a family memorial and a stunning architectural monument.The colonnade's design is attributed to Josef Hardmuth, though disagreements with Prince John Joseph I led to his resignation, and Josef Poppelack completed the construction. The monument features statues of ancestors in antique costumes and tombstones on the back wall, adding to its historical and artistic significance. Two inscriptions in German on the walls of the colonnade express the Prince's sentiments: "Der Sohn dem Vater, der Bruder dem Brüdern" (Son of Father, Brother to Brothers) and "Den Manen der unvergesslichen der einzige überlebeude Sohn" (Unforgettable Ancestors the only remaining son).Standing at an altitude of 291 meters, the colonnade is the highest point in the Lednice-Valtice area, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From the rooftop lookout, visitors can see Mikulov Castle, Svatý Kopeček (Saint Hill), the Nesyt pond, the Pálava Hills, the Lednice Minaret, the Little Carpathians in Slovakia, and the ruins of Falkenstein Castle in Austria. The Kolonáda Reistna is open to visitors from April to October and operated by CHÂTEAU VALTICE winery. Visitors can ascend to the lookout and enjoy the views and taste or purchase local wines.During the Communist era, the colonnade was part of the Iron Curtain, inaccessible to tourists and suffered damage. Restoration efforts after 1989 have revived this landmark, making it a popular destination once again. Today, Kolonáda Reistna is a must-see attraction, blending history, architecture, and stunning natural beauty.