Živá voda Modrá, a Czech tourist attraction near the Slovak border. (source: Erik Schneider)
In the Moravian village of Modrá, near Velehrad, you will discover Europe's largest freshwater tunnel in a natural setting—Živá voda (Water of Life). Beneath the surface, you can observe life in a pond teeming with catfish, sturgeon, carp, tench, pike-perch, and even European pond turtles.
Several times a year, this space transforms into a unique restaurant where guests dine by candlelight, savouring the chef's specialities while watching the vibrant nocturnal activity of the fish in their natural habitat, writes the Sme daily. For many, it may be the first time they witness the enormous sturgeons, once fished in the Danube, Morava, Váh, Hron, and Ipeľ rivers.
The second underground level features a transparent acrylic wall that allows visitors to peer six metres below the surface, providing a winter view of fish hibernating beneath the ice. Educational programmes focusing on ecology are projected onto a large screen, offering a deeper understanding of aquatic life.
The ground floor serves as an exhibition space.
Beneath the surface, you can observe life in a pond teeming with catfish, sturgeon, carp, tench, pike-perch, and even European pond turtles. (source: Rostislav Štefánek)
Prehistoric aurochs
The Živá voda Modrá experience includes an adjacent pasture, home to aurochs since February 2018. Research has shown that these ancient cattle favoured the proximity of large rivers and wetlands. Aurochs are one of the native hoofed species that once roamed Slovakia.
During the summer months, visitors can cool off in a natural swimming pool, fed by an underground spring of exceptionally high-quality water. The bathing area is filtered through a natural wetland ecosystem, which ensures that the water is of drinking quality at the outlet.
Comfortable accommodation is available on site at Živá voda Modrá, along with a variety of gastronomic services offering a rich selection of traditional dishes and beverages. There is also a café and shop featuring a range of local products, including herbs, honey, gingerbread, and spirits from the nearby distillery. The more adventurous might even be tempted by a lively tasting carousel of local liquors.
Aurochs. (source: Pixabay)
Archaeological open-air museum
Živá voda Modrá is also situated near one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Great Moravian Empire. Priceless artefacts, including jewellery that could lead to the rewriting of history textbooks, are on display in a spacious underground vault beneath the Archeoskanzen, an open-air museum. Above ground, visitors can explore reconstructions of buildings and exhibits that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Great Moravian people.
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