Memorial at Žuráň

The hill at Žuráň is visible from a distance. What you might not know is that the summit of the hill with the memorial is designated as extraterritorial French territory. However, the hill's peak is not a natural formation; it is an artificially constructed burial mound dating back to the Migration Period and is among the most significant archaeological sites in Moravia. Today, the summit is crowned by solitary maple trees and a granite block with a relief map detailing the battle plan and troop positions from 2 December, 1805, at 7 o'clock in the morning. You can see all the important locations and, most importantly, the movements of military units. You'll also find a quote from Napoleon's famous proclamation after the battle in both French and Czech.

Soldats, mon peuple vous reverra avec joie et il vous suffira de dire j'étais à la bataille d'Austerlitz, pour que l'on réponde, voilà un brave.
Soldiers, my people will welcome you with joy, and it will be enough for you to say, 'I was at the Battle of Austerlitz,' for them to respond, 'Here is a brave one.'

Right here, you are standing at the command post of Napoleon Bonaparte, where he issued the order on the morning of 2 December, 1805, to attack the Pratzen Heights (Pratecké výšiny): "Let us end this war with a thunderous strike!" And that's exactly what happened. It was followed by a manoeuvrer that decided the entire battle, known as the "Lion's Leap" ever since.

The hill on the right side of the northern edge of the battlefield provided the French military leader with a perfect view of most of the battlefield. The French refer to this place as "Napoleon's Hill" or "Napoleon's Table." You should come here to feel the genius loci and read an excerpt from Napoleon's victorious speech to his soldiers on the monument. Take a hike here, perhaps from Šlapanice (you can reach Šlapanice from Brno by train within 15 minutes) along the yellow hiking trail. During the golden hour, you can capture fantastic photos here.