Vranovice-Kelčice: Rolling Hills, Předina and Blátka

Vranovice-Kelčice between rolling hills and nature

Vranovice-Kelčice lies in the Prostějov Hills on the southwestern edge of the Upper Moravian Basin. The surrounding area is a gently undulating, low hilly landscape whose broad, rounded ridges are cut through by the valleys of the Kelčický potok. The stream crosses the settlement from west to east along its entire length, giving the landscape a clearly recognizable natural structure.

In the western part of the cadastral area, Vranovice-Kelčice extends into the Blátka Nature Reserve. The protected area encompasses meadows, wetlands and woodland around the Kelčický potok and is home to protected plants. Blátka covers approximately 84 hectares and was designated in 1985. This means that different types of landscape exist side by side within the municipality: open, gently undulating uplands divided by stream valleys, and a protected area with wetlands and woodland.

Panoramic views from Předina

Předina rises to 313 metres and is considered the geographical centre of Moravia. On the territory of Kelčice and above Dobrochov, it is home to a radio transmitter and the Štátule lookout tower. The wooden tower is 10 metres high, with its viewing platform at a height of 8 metres. From there, views extend to the Jeseníky, the Hostýn Hills, Záhoří, the Drahany Highlands and the Chřiby Hills.

The Štátule lookout tower is designated as freely accessible all year round. Předina thus combines a distinctive landscape feature with a specific viewpoint. In the past, Předina was also a destination for excursions and gatherings. Anyone planning a trip combining nature observation, panoramic views and the regional landscape will find a clearly defined focal point here.

Cycle route and connections

Cycle Route No. 5041 runs through Vranovice-Kelčice. Its route leads from Určice via Dětkovice, Vranovice and Kelčice to Dobrochov and Brodek u Prostějova. The route passes through both parts of the municipality and provides a clear point of reference when planning a cycling tour through the Prostějov Hills.

The road connections are also clearly defined: The D46 expressway runs between the parts of Vranovice and Kelčice and connects the municipality via the grade-separated, figure-eight-shaped Vranovice-Kelčice interchange. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore first decide whether your trip should focus on the cycle route, the Blátka Nature Reserve, the viewpoint on Předina or the local history.

Village history and Moravian architecture

Vranovice was first mentioned in written records in 1337 and belonged to Prostějov from the 16th century until 1848. Kelčice was first reliably documented in writing in 1258 and remained the property of the Olomouc Chapter until 1848. In 1964, Vranovice and Kelčice were merged to form the municipality of Vranovice–Kelčice.

Both parts of the municipality preserve clearly recognizable linear village layouts with characteristic two-storey farmsteads. The history of Vranovice also includes the Church of St. Kunhuta: the parish of Vranovice has been mentioned in connection with it since 1399. The church is a Romanesque cultural monument and one of the oldest churches in the Prostějov region. This means that a stay can be explored not only through the landscape and cycling, but also through established village structures and an important regional architectural monument.

More destinations for your research

If you would like to continue your search beyond Vranovice-Kelčice, you can also explore these destinations in the overarching travel section: Hvozd U Prostejova, Zdětín, Kralice Na Hané, Mostkovice, Dobromilice, Laškov, Vřesovice and Hrdibořice.

To the overarching travel overview: Prostějov District.