Kostelní Vydří – Discover Pilgrimage, Baroque and Nature

Kostelní Vydří between pilgrimage, Baroque and landscape

Kostelní Vydří combines an important pilgrimage site with Baroque architectural history, historic paths and a nature trail featuring natural highlights. This creates a destination where sacred architecture, local history and a walk through the landscape can be combined. When choosing accommodation, you can focus your stay on culture or nature without having to combine the individual themes into a purely sightseeing-focused itinerary.

Churches and pilgrimage in Kostelní Vydří

The Panna Maria Karmelská pilgrimage site in Kostelní Vydří is one of the pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Brno. The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was built between 1787 and 1789 and is open for free entry almost all day. Another historical trace leads to the lower Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary: it was converted from a Gothic church dating from the beginning of the 14th century. Its interior is not accessible outside Mass times.

The so-called “dolní pouť”, or lower pilgrimage, is celebrated on the first Sunday in July for the Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. The Karmelitánský klášter, or Carmelite monastery, is also part of the history of the place. It was built in the mid-18th century so that priests would be available to pilgrims every day. Carmelites from Austria began their service at the Marian pilgrimage site in 1908, after Baron Bedřich Dalberg invited them.

Baroque buildings and historic paths

A stone Baroque bridge dating from around 1730 is a historic landmark in Kostelní Vydří. It bears statues of Saint John of Nepomuk and Saint Joseph. Kostelní Vydří Château also complements the historic setting: the one-storey building has two wings, a vaulted passageway and stone window surrounds. It was built near a Renaissance fortress originally dating from the 16th century at the beginning of the 17th century and redesigned at the beginning of the 19th century.

The Lipová alej k Hrobce rodu Dalbergů is located in Kostelní Vydří next to the Carmelite monastery. The avenue is 129 metres long and includes 24 lime trees. A Stations of the Cross is located in its surroundings. Friedrich, his wife and their two sons are buried in the cemetery on the hill opposite the Carmelite monastery.

Nature trail and practical orientation

The Naučná stezka po přírodních zajímavostech is intended for pedestrians; some sections are not passable by cyclists. Station 9 of the nature trail is dedicated to the protected Karmelitánské lípy. This gives you a clear distinction for planning your day: the nature trail is intended for walking, while cycling is not possible on some sections.

A large car park and a public toilet, also intended for people with disabilities, are located directly next to the church and monastery complex. From Dačice, Kostelní Vydří can be reached by bus or on foot in about 40 minutes. If you would like to compare other places, you can continue your search with Rapšach, Klec, Chlum U Třeboně, Hříšice, Bořetín U Strmilova, Kardašova Řečice, Lužnice and Smrzov instead.

To the higher-level travel overview: Jindřichův Hradec District.