Discover Bánov

Bánov brings together local history, preserved folk architecture, and unusual evidence of volcanism within a compact thematic area. Anyone looking to combine culture and activity on a trip will find an accessible starting point in the Tři kříže trail: this relatively easy hike, taking about an hour, leads through the center of Bánov and conveys the culture and history of the village.

History and culture around the village center

The Tři kříže trail passes the Baroque parish church of St. Martin. It has a late Gothic bell dating from 1498. The present-day Church of St. Martin was created between 1692 and 1699 through a fundamental Baroque reconstruction of a medieval church. Its furnishings include a main altar from 1744 and an altarpiece depicting St. Martin, created in 1864 by the academic painter Josef Zelený. The trail also passes a valuable Baroque statue of St. John of Nepomuk from the second half of the 18th century.

Secular architectural history is also present in Bánov. The preserved Empire-style barn Komora dates from the early 19th century and is considered an important architectural monument. Several examples of folk architecture have also been preserved, including two farmsteads and a chamber with an upper floor. A special tradition remains visible during Carnival: in Bánov, traditional folk masked processions known as Babkovníci are still maintained.

The Hrad hill above the church recalls Bánov Castle. The original site was damaged by a quarry. A castle stood at the Tři kříže site from the 12th century and was destroyed in the 15th century; three crosses have stood there since the 17th century. Today, the three crosses stand on the remnant of an old volcano. The trail thus combines historical traces with a remarkable geological feature.

Volcanic nature and routes for different day plans

Another prominent site is the Hrádek nature monument, located 120 meters north of St. Martin’s Church in the center of Bánov. Volcanic breccia with fragments of amphibole-bearing basaltic andesite is exposed there. Hrádek also preserves the largest and most characteristic expression of Tertiary volcanic activity in this area. At the archaeological site, a Paleolithic layer with a worked stone-tool industry, probably from the Aurignacian, as well as an Eneolithic settlement layer of the Bošáca phase were discovered. By this time at the latest, the Hrádek hillfort had been fortified with substantial ditches. Rare butterfly species such as the swallowtail and the scarce swallowtail can also be found there.

For another landscape experience, the “Ke Skalkám” route leads from Bánov for approximately 7 km and is suitable for hikers and cyclists. Skalky is a unique example of young volcanism in the Flysch Carpathians of Moravia. The protected Skalka nature monument includes a small forest quarry whose quarry face preserves an interesting geological stratification. Protected butterfly species occur around Skalky. The routes around Studený vrch are also intended for hikers and cyclists, but are physically very demanding.

A longer option is the “Za přírodními krásami okolí” route. It leads from Bánov via the Ordějov Reservoir to the ridge of Studený vrch. If you return along the same route, the total distance is approximately 11 km. The reservoir was originally built for irrigation and recreation and is now used mainly for fishing. When planning your day, you can therefore choose between a short cultural circuit, a route of about 7 km, and a longer, more demanding trail. The quarry pond near Na Skaličkách is also an interesting natural feature: it has neither an inlet nor an outlet and is inhabited by crayfish, newts, and rare frog species.

Discover more regional history

The Bánovský poklad is publicly accessible in the permanent exhibition “Pravěk Uherskohradišťska” at the Velká Morava Memorial of the Slovácké Museum in Staré Město. The find is considered the most extensive prehistoric amber find discovered to date in the territory of the Czech Republic and is regarded as unique. The exhibition offers texts in Czech, English, German, and Russian and has been adapted for blind and visually impaired visitors. This makes it possible to supplement Bánov’s local history with a regional perspective without focusing the trip exclusively on hikes.

When looking for accommodation in Bánov, you can first orient yourself according to your preferred travel rhythm: the village center and the Tři kříže trail suit a short cultural program, while the routes to Skalky, Ordějov, and Studený vrch require more time for day planning. For further travel planning, you can also visit the pages on Zlámanec, Komňa, Kunovice, Hluk, Uherský Ostroh, Bojkovice, Zlechov and Újezdec.

To the higher-level travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.