- Land area: 708 ha
- Population: 410
- Altitude: 186 asml
Josefov is located in the countryside west of Hodonin, in an area where fields, vineyards and orchards dominate the landscape. The Prušánka river fl ows directly behind the village.
Founded in 1782, Josefov was built on the former site of the Kukvice village that was once one of the oldest municipalities in the Podluží. The fi rst historical records date from 1383. However, the village of Kukvice was burnt down in the second half of the 15th century during the Czech-Hungarian war. Kukvice started to rebuild itself prior to 1528 but during the Thirty Years War it was destroyed again. It‘s only remnants are memories felt in the fields and vineyards.
Newly founded Josefov got its name in honor of Emperor Joseph II. The inhabitants were exempted from labor as opposed to the people of Dolni Bojanovice. Even back then it was a mostly agricultural village with greatly enhanced viniculture. Essentially, this has remained unchanged through the following centuries. Josefov became independent in 1867 and ten years later a one classroom school was established.
Traditional customs are celebrated as a part of the folk culture in the village. Some of these cultural traditions include „Smrtnica“ the traditional welcoming of Spring on the second Sunday before Easter and the folk costume feast surrounding the raising of the May Pole. Local social clubs include the Men‘s Choir of Josefov, the table tennis club, and the Canine Enthusiast Club. Dating back to 1760, the oldest monument is the Baroque statue of St. Anna which is situated on the outskirts of the village towards Prušánky. According to legend, it was built by a local shepherd who found a golden treasure on the spot. In 1877, the village chapel was rebuilt to a church and dedicated to all the saints.
