Gojau: Pilgrimage, Culture and Cycling Route around Kájov

Gojau particularly appeals to visitors who want to combine cultural history with active exploration. Kájov is at the centre, featuring an exceptionally well-preserved church complex, a pilgrimage tradition that has developed over centuries, and paths that can be explored on foot or by bicycle. This allows you to choose between focused cultural experiences, a historically themed walk and an easy loop ride.

The Church Complex of Kájov

The late Gothic pilgrimage church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Kájov has been a national cultural monument since 1995. Its present late Gothic form was created between 1471 and 1488. The pilgrimage church complex also includes the Chapel of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the rectory and a hospice. It is precisely this combination of different buildings that makes the complex interesting as an ensemble: you see not just a single church, but a place whose individual structures reflect different functions within the pilgrimage tradition.

The historic furnishings and surroundings also include the group of statues of the three saints Tadeáš, Josef and Antonín Paduánský, as well as the former pilgrimage road from Český Krumlov to Kájov. The group of statues was restored in cooperation with the municipal office. The former pilgrimage road is considered a valuable example of a historic Baroque transport route and is closely connected with the pilgrimage complex. In 1667, fifteen granite columns depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary were erected along the road.

Pilgrimage between the Church, Chapel and Spring

The pilgrimage tradition is not merely historical: the Kájovská pouť continues every year in October. It takes place on the second Sunday after the second Saturday in October. Below the church, at the end of the pilgrimage road, a chapel with a well was built between 1686 and 1689. The spring that feeds the well is regarded as healing water and is said to flow from the high altar. This attribution belongs to the site's religious tradition, without any medical effect being inferred from it.

There is also a specific connection for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago: in Kájov, they can obtain a stamp and, by prior arrangement, also stay overnight. The new parish museum can likewise be visited by prior arrangement. For your planning, it is therefore important to decide whether you want to combine the visit spontaneously with a walk or arrange an appointment for the museum, pilgrim stamp or overnight stay.

Easy Cycling Loop and Walks

Those who want to get to know Kájov through more than its architectural history can choose the “Znovuobjevené Kájovsko–Boleticko” route. This one-day cycling excursion follows a signposted, 20-kilometre loop through the countryside. Its route is considered easy and suitable for families, less experienced cyclists and seniors. The route therefore offers a clearly defined opportunity for a shared active day without requiring you to plan a long or demanding trip.

On the route from Kájov towards Boletice, the Iron Age hillfort of Raziberk lies on the left. The municipality also lists a walk from church to church via Raziberk as a suggested excursion. For a quieter break, the “Dubovky” benches are recommended, offering views of the surrounding natural landscape.

Choose Gojau as Your Base

If you are looking for accommodation in Gojau, the right choice depends above all on the focus of your trip: the pilgrimage church, parish museum and historic route favour a stay centred on culture and tradition, while the 20-kilometre loop and the walk via Raziberk add manageable activities to the offering. For other destinations in your travel plans, you can also view Novosedly U Ceskeho Krumlova, Staré Dobrkovice and Lazec.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Český Krumlov.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Netrobitz, Friedberg, Angern, Goldenkron, Deutsch Beneschau.