Diana's Temple (Rendez-vous Hunting Lodge)
An interesting example of neoclassical architecture in the Czech Republic
About a kilometer before the entrance to Valtice, there is a hunting lodge near the road leading from Břeclav in a forest clearing, which was built in honor of Jan I. Joseph of Lichtenstein in the years 1810 – 1812. This classicist building has the form of a Roman triumphal arch with rich stucco decoration.
Hunting range
The building stands in the middle of the former princely domain and was built as a staging area for hunters during spectacular hunts in the surrounding forests. Rooms and a large hall in the interior were intended for this purpose.
Dedicated to the goddess of the hunt
The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the hunt, Diana. This is evidenced by the sculptural reliefs depicting Diana's hunt with life-sized figures. In addition, above the arch are two inscriptions in Latin „To Diana, goddess of the hunt and her worshippers“ and „To you this house is dedicated, O radiant sister of Phoebus, and to your honor may the unbroken forest still grow“.
Inner hall
Above two massive pillars connected by a semicircular arch, a lintel with an attic is placed. In the interior there is a hall with a view. The hall was originally used mainly for hunting breakfasts before the hunt.
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