Discover Velehrad: Basilica, Routes and Wine

Velehrad brings together architectural history, pilgrimage traditions, themed trails, cycling and wine growing. The origins of the basilica date back to the first third of the 13th century, and there are both easy and more challenging route options nearby. You can tailor your stay to focus on culture, outdoor activities or both.

Velehrad at a glance

• The basilica was originally a late Romanesque building; after wartime damage, particularly the fire of 1681, it took on its Baroque appearance.
• The Velehradská hledačka trail around the basilica is 1.5 kilometres long, easy, and starts at the Velehrad Information Centre. A second option is 3.8 kilometres long and requires little physical effort.
• The Cistercian Routes include an easy 4.2-kilometre route and a difficult 9.9-kilometre route.
• The Háj nature trail is a two-kilometre forest loop featuring interactive activities, QR-code audio stories and a rest pavilion.
• Velehrad is a hub for cycle paths and routes at the foot of the Chřiby Mountains. The tourist centre has cycling facilities with tools and some spare parts, as well as a sports kick-scooter rental service.
• Tens of thousands of pilgrims gather for the annual pilgrimages. Velehrad’s vineyards and winemakers are part of the Slovácko wine-growing region; visitors can taste and buy local wines.

The Basilica, Its History and Exhibitions

The Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Saints Cyril and Methodius was originally a late Romanesque building dating from the first third of the 13th century. After wartime damage, particularly the fire of 1681, it took on its Baroque appearance. On a guided tour, you can see the main nave and side chapels.

The exhibitions also offer different ways to explore history and faith. The interactive exhibition “The Bible for Young and Old” features hands-on elements and activities on touchscreens. The exhibition “Velehrad at the Crossroads of European History” is housed in the former medieval monastery’s rooms, which lie below today’s ground level, in the basilica’s Baroque crypts and in the Velehrad House of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The basilica’s lower level also contains a sacred site commemorating Christian martyrs of the 20th century, as well as a gallery of witnesses to the faith in our time.

Compare Routes by Length and Difficulty

The two Velehradská hledačka routes differ in length: the easy loop around the basilica is 1.5 kilometres long and starts at the Velehrad Information Centre; the second route is 3.8 kilometres long and requires little physical effort. The Cistercian Routes offer an easy 4.2-kilometre route and a difficult 9.9-kilometre one. You can compare the various route options by their stated distances and difficulty levels.

The Cistercian Routes pass, among other places, a former mill and farmyard, cross a Baroque bridge and follow the medieval paved Háje route. The Háj nature trail offers a different way to explore the landscape: this two-kilometre forest loop features interactive activities, audio stories accessed via QR codes and a rest pavilion.

Cycling at the Foot of the Chřiby Mountains

Velehrad is a hub for cycle paths and routes at the foot of the Chřiby Mountains. The Velehrad tourist centre has cycling facilities with tools and some spare parts; sports kick-scooters are also available to rent there. This means that, in addition to hiking and nature trails, the area also offers designated cycling routes and sports kick-scooter rentals. The routes described have their own distances and difficulty levels, so they can be considered separately.

Pilgrimage Traditions and Wine Growing in Slovácko

Tens of thousands of pilgrims gather in Velehrad for the annual pilgrimages. The “Dny lidí dobré vůle” (Days of People of Good Will) are held in connection with the pilgrimage; their aim is to support various charitable projects. If you would like to plan your stay around a pilgrimage or the “Dny lidí dobré vůle,” check the specific event dates before booking.

Wine is also part of the local character: Velehrad’s vineyards and winemakers belong to the Slovácko wine-growing region. Visitors can taste and buy wines from local winemakers. Alongside its religious and scenic attractions, Velehrad therefore offers a direct way to experience the regional wine culture.

Planning a Stay in Velehrad

When looking for hotels in Velehrad, it helps to decide first what your trip is for. If you’re planning to visit for a pilgrimage or the “Dny lidí dobré vůle,” the specific dates are an important part of your planning. For a more flexible visit, you can choose to focus on the basilica and exhibitions, the different route options, cycling or wine growing.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Komňa, Medlovice, Částkov, Vyškovec, Staré Hutě, Břestek, Traplice, Svárov.

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions About Velehrad

How do the route options differ in length and difficulty?

The shortest option described here is the easy Velehradská hledačka loop around the basilica, at 1.5 kilometres. The second option is 3.8 kilometres long and requires little physical effort. The Cistercian Routes offer a choice between a 4.2-kilometre easy route and a 9.9-kilometre difficult route.

For the broader travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.