Pustiměř: Churches, Pilgrimage and Ostatky

Pustiměř combines a historic church landscape with local traditions and an appealing variety of scenery. The town lies on the boundary between the intensively farmed Haná region and the wooded terrain of the Drahanská Highlands. This makes it a good choice for a trip that combines cultural history and nature.

Pustiměř at a glance

• The remains of the Romanesque Rotunda of St. Pantaleon date from the first quarter of the 12th century.
• The Chapel of St. Anne became a pilgrimage church toward the end of the 17th century.
• The annual St. Anne’s pilgrimage takes place around July 26; the exact date may vary.
• The Melice nature trail is an approximately 6.5 km circular route along paved and forest paths, suitable for families with children.
• Pustiměř is accessible by car or bus. A small parking area is located near a shop and a bus stop.

Churches and archaeological traces

The Roman Catholic Parish Church of St. Benedict is considered Pustiměř’s most distinctive cultural landmark. The present church was built in 1900 and 1901 to replace an older church. The Chapel of St. Anne is also part of the town’s religious history: it became a pilgrimage church toward the end of the 17th century. The remains of the Romanesque Rotunda of St. Pantaleon lie nearby. The rotunda dates back to the first quarter of the 12th century. These neighboring religious sites bring different historical periods together.

The town’s history stretches back a long way, too: Pustiměř is considered one of the oldest documented settlements in the Vyškov region. Melice offers a further perspective on the region’s castles. The wider area is home to the archaeologically researched ruins of a bishop’s castle with an extensive outer bailey. They are situated on a promontory between Pustiměř and Drysice.

Landscape and natural assets

The transition from the intensively farmed Haná region to the wooded terrain of the Drahanská Highlands gives Pustiměř a distinctive landscape setting. Among the town’s important natural assets is the Pustiměř lime tree near the church. Within Pustiměř, the Letiště Marchanice natural monument protects the habitat of the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus). If you plan to visit this protected area, check the current access rules before entering.

The Melice nature trail adds a walking option to the cultural and historical attractions: the circular route is approximately 6.5 kilometers long and follows both paved and forest paths. It is suitable for families with children. Its approximate length and trail surface give you an idea of what to expect; no specific walking time is provided. If you are more interested in nature and being active, you can make this trail the focus of your visit, while churches and pilgrimage shape Pustiměř’s cultural side.

Pilgrimage and local traditions

The St. Anne’s pilgrimage takes place every year around July 26. The exact date may vary from year to year. Along with the chapel’s history, the pilgrimage brings the town’s religious tradition to life throughout the year.

Another local tradition is the Pustiměř Ostatky festival. At the celebration on February 8, 2026, the ceremonial transfer of control over the municipality from the mayor to the Ostatníci was carried out as part of the ostatkové právo tradition. Ostatky is celebrated as a two-day festival approximately every two to three years; this schedule may change depending on local arrangements. The two traditions have different origins, but both are part of Pustiměř’s cultural life.

Getting there and planning your stay

You can reach Pustiměř by car or bus. A small parking area is located near a shop and a bus stop; check the parking situation locally. The information about the parking area describes its location in Pustiměř and should not be taken as an indication of parking availability at the Melice nature trail.

When choosing a hotel, you can follow your travel interests: churches, pilgrimage and archaeological history offer a cultural focus, while the landscape and nature trail appeal to other interests. Pustiměř’s combination of local history, natural assets and traditions offers several ways to shape your visit, without limiting your trip to just one theme.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Milonice, Nemotice, Hostěrádky-Rešov, Lysovice, Hvězdlice, Orlovice, Dražovice, Nevojice.

FAQ / Frequently asked questions about Pustiměř

When does the St. Anne’s pilgrimage take place?

The pilgrimage takes place every year around July 26. The exact date may vary from year to year.

How often is the Pustiměř Ostatky festival held?

On February 8, 2026, Ostatky was described as a two-day festival held approximately every two to three years. The interval may vary depending on local arrangements.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Vyškov.