Discover Rimov: Pilgrimage Complex and Landscape

A pilgrimage landscape with a distinctive cultural history

Rimov combines an exceptional pilgrimage complex with a varied landscape along the Malše. Sacred architecture, a traditional Stations of the Cross, the Malše Valley and the Římov drinking-water reservoir each create a different impression. Rimov thus combines architecture, religious history and experiences in nature in an environment shaped by a variety of influences. The contrast between clearly defined architecture and open stretches of the route shapes the character of the place.

The Římov Pilgrimage Complex

The pilgrimage complex with the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Loreto Chapel in Římov is a national cultural monument. The complex's Baroque church was built between 1672 and 1697 on a central circular ground plan. A Loreto Chapel, founded in 1648, stands in the middle of the courtyard. The ambits of the pilgrimage complex contain 34 paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. The dates and circular ground plan give the building a clearly perceptible historical and architectural character.

Stations of the Cross between the village, fields and forest

The cultural context includes the Římov Stations of the Cross with 25 stations. The chapels are arranged in the landscape so that they correspond to the traditional Way of the Cross in Jerusalem. The route runs through the village, across fields and through the forest, as well as along the Malše. This makes the religious context visible not only in the buildings but also in the route through the landscape. Guided tours of the pilgrimage complex, its ambits and the pilgrimage museum are available. The Římov spring pilgrimage was scheduled, as every year, for 2–3 May 2026; craft markets were planned under the linden trees by the church.

The Malše Valley and landscape conservation area

The Římov drinking-water reservoir was built on the Malše between 1971 and 1978. The valley of the Malše, which flows through Římov, offers a different landscape impression, with a gorge-like character and rock formations in places. The cultural landscape of the Římovsko landscape conservation area is particularly defined by the extensive pilgrimage complex. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of a Baroque landscape originating from Catholic mysticism. Thus, around the reservoir, the water-shaped surroundings are the focus, while in the river valley the rock formations take center stage; the conservation area, meanwhile, brings together the region's cultural character.

Museum, cycling route and destinations in the surrounding region

The “Roubenka” Museum is housed in an original wooden building dating from 1610. For active days out, the Velešín–Roudné cycling route follows part of the Římov Stations of the Cross. The route thus connects cycling with a route that already has historical significance. The Borovanský vrch and Kleť mountains are located in the surroundings of Římov. The Vrbice hill [Svatý Jan nad Malší-Sedlce] is nearby, while Mount Trosky lies in the wider regional surroundings of Římov. The place therefore offers both insights into a historic building and routes through an environment shaped by pilgrimage, river landscapes and regional elevations.

Other places in the region include Unter Bukowsko, Nákří, Vrábče, Včelná, Slavče, Lipí, Hummeln and Kamenná.

For the general travel overview: České Budějovice District.