the seventeenth stage of hiking
Křtiny - Rousínov
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Basic information about the trail
Welcome to one of the most scenic and spiritually rich stages of the Cyril and Methodius Route! The Křtiny to Rousínov section offers a captivating hike through the heart of Moravia, transitioning from the dramatic, rugged beauty of the Moravian Karst to the gentle. Begin your spiritual journey at the magnificent Baroque Pilgrimage Church in Křtiny, often called the “Pearl of Moravia,” and follow historic trails that blend deep cultural heritage with stunning natural tranquility. This stage is perfect for hikers and pilgrims seeking both historical depth and unforgettable landscapes. Discover hidden chapels, quiet forest paths, and trace the legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius all the way to the historic town of Rousínov.
What's ahead of us?
Starting point: Křtiny
Ending point: Rousínov
Distance: 21,4 km
Estimated travel time: 6:04 hours
Difficulty: medium
Altitude: ascent 317 m, descent 491 m
Surface: mainly forest roads, paved roads
Critical points: There is a ban on pedestrians and cyclists between the Malá Říčka Signpost and the Kalečník Signpost. It is necessary to take this fact into account.
Our tip:
At the signpost KALEČNÍK – ROZC., turn left along the green tourist sign and after 3.6 km you will reach the village of Olšany, where you can find accommodation. The next day you can get from Olšany to Rousínov by bus.
Take enough food and drink with you, as there are sections of the route without the possibility of buying food during the journey.
What can be seen?
Archaeological, pilgrimage, technical and natural monuments.
Church of the Virgin Mary
- Křtiny 72, 679 05 Křtiny
- www.pmkrtiny.cz
- pmkrtiny@gmail.com
- +420 731 603 488
The Church of the Virgin Mary in Křtiny: Santini's Pearl of Moravia
Discover one of the most sublime architectural masterpieces in Central Europe—the Pilgrimage Church of the Name of the Virgin Mary in Křtiny. Located just outside Brno, at the gateway to the stunning Moravian Karst (Moravský kras), this grand complex, designated a National Cultural Monument, is the definitive work of the genius Baroque-Gothic architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. His largest structure designed on the unique plan of a Greek cross, the church captivates visitors with its majestic central dome and a masterful interplay of light and space that defines Santini's visionary style. The entire Baroque complex, built in the first half of the 18th century on the site of two earlier medieval churches, includes the monumental church, the cloisters (ambits) and the Chapel of St. Anne, all harmoniously integrated into the landscape.
Beyond its architectural brilliance, Křtiny is an ancient and profound Marian pilgrimage site, drawing pilgrims for centuries to venerate the cherished Gothic statue of the Křtiny Madonna on the main altar. A visit here is not complete without exploring the fascinating underground: the extensive Křtiny Ossuary (Kostnice Křtiny) in the crypt beneath the church contains the remains of almost a thousand medieval residents, including the renowned and mysterious 12 decorated skulls marked with black laurel wreaths and a ‘T’ symbol. Moreover, as you wander the cloisters, you can hear the melodies of one of Central Europe’s largest functional Carillons (Zvonohra), consisting of 33 bells. The blend of spiritual heritage, architectural genius, and hidden mysteries makes the Křtiny Pilgrimage Site a profound and essential stop for history enthusiasts and tourists exploring the Czech Republic.
Křtiny Castle
- Křtiny 1, 679 05 Křtiny
- www.zamek-krtiny.cz
- recepce@zamek-krtiny.cz
- +420 724 946 162
Křtiny Chateau: A Blend of Baroque Legacy and Modern Hospitality
The Křtiny Chateau (Zámek Křtiny) stands as an integral part of the monumental Baroque pilgrimage complex, resting right next to the famed Church of the Name of the Virgin Mary. Designated a National Cultural Monument of the Czech Republic, the chateau's origins are deeply rooted in history, dating back to the first written mention of Křtiny in 1237. The very name of the market town alludes to an ancient baptismal tradition, which, according to local legend, was established by the Slavic apostles Cyril and Methodius in the 9th century.
The current structure occupies the former site of the residence of the Premonstratensian canons from Zábrdovice near Brno. It was intended to complement the grand pilgrimage church, designed by the genius architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel (1677–1723). Following the Josephine reforms of the late 18th century, which abolished the monastery, the property was sold to private owners. The chateau gained its current Neo-Renaissance appearance in 1864, when its owner, Vincenc of Bubna, added an extra floor and significantly rebuilt the structure. Over the years, the chateau passed through the hands of prominent figures, including the wealthy Brno industrialist Mořic Tauber and, finally, the House of Liechtenstein, which owned it until the end of World War II.
Today, Křtiny Chateau is owned by the Masaryk Forest Enterprise (a branch of Mendel University in Brno). After a comprehensive renovation spanning nearly two decades (1994–2012), the chateau now beautifully combines educational facilities with high-quality accommodation for the public. Tourists are invited to stay in elegantly appointed double rooms and apartments or enjoy traditional Czech cuisine at the chateau’s stylish restaurant.
The chateau is enveloped by the three-hectare Křtiny Chateau Park. Originally established in the 19th century, the park has been meticulously restored to its former glory, featuring new trees, shrubs, and pathways. This serene green space is accessible to the public during the day, offering a tranquil retreat. Křtiny Chateau thus serves as both an indispensable historical landmark and an excellent base for exploring the wonders of the Moravian Karst region.
Nature park Říčky
- 789 62 Olšany
- www.drahanska-vrchovina.cz
- mikroregiondrahanska@seznam.cz
- +420 517 353 272
Říčky Nature Park: A Wilderness near the Moravian Karst
The Říčky Nature Park is a protected area of approximately 30 km², established in 1984, that serves as an important tranquil zone bordering the famous Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Moravský kras). Located in the Drahany Highlands, primarily within the Brno-venkov and Vyškov districts, this park is defined by the winding course of the Říčka Stream and its tributaries. The park's terrain ranges from 370 to over 500 meters above sea level, offering varied landscapes of extensive woodlands and deep valleys.
The primary mission of the park is to preserve the unique natural character of the Říčka Valley. Along the stream, visitors can discover rare alluvial meadows and fragments of thermophilous forests, notable for their rich undergrowth. The wider, largely deciduous forests contain enclaves of beech stands, providing a sanctuary for diverse fauna. The park is a vital nesting ground for various protected bird species, including the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), as well as raptors like the Northern Goshawk and Eurasian Sparrowhawk.
The Říčky Nature Park is a haven for active tourism. A dense network of marked hiking trails and surfaced cycling paths crisscross the area, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty and the numerous springs with fresh drinking water, such as Habrová and Koretinka. Due to its proximity to the Moravian Karst, the park also showcases fascinating geological conditions, including the alternation of conglomerates, slates, and Devonian limestones, offering a quieter, yet equally compelling, natural experience adjacent to the Karst’s dramatic scenery.
Church of the Choir of Saints Cyril and Methodius
- Trávníky 1142, 683 01 Rousínov
- drevenykostelik.cz
- fararmartin@email.cz
- +420 606 702 768
A Testament to History: The Former Synagogue in Rousínov
Step into a place where centuries of history and culture converge. The Cyril and Methodius Congregation Church in Rousínov is a truly unique monument, once the spiritual center of the town's vibrant Jewish community. This remarkable building on Trávníky street, a protected cultural landmark, tells a powerful story of transformation and resilience.
From Synagogue to Sanctuary
Originally built as a synagogue in a Renaissance-Baroque style in 1591, the building served Rousínov’s large Jewish community for centuries. The synagogue underwent a significant Late Classicist reconstruction in 1842, which gave it its present-day appearance. After the tragic events of World War II, when the local Jewish community was decimated, the building was adapted in 1949 to become a place of worship for the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. Today, it stands as a living testament to the town’s diverse past.
A Powerful Place of Memory
Beyond its architectural value, the former synagogue is a poignant memorial. A plaque on its facade commemorates the victims of the Nazi persecution of the Jewish people from 1939 to 1945. Exploring the surrounding area, visitors can trace the contours of the historic Jewish quarter, with its narrow alleyways and a nearby cemetery, offering a deeper understanding of the community that once thrived here. The building’s dual identity makes it a fascinating and moving destination for those interested in history, architecture, and spiritual heritage.
Church of St. Mary Magdalene
- Sušilovo nám. 68/58, 683 01 Rousínov
- www.farnostrousinov.cz
- rousinov@dieceze.cz
- +420 604 487 737
The Church of St. Mary Magdalene: A Baroque Jewel in Rousínov
Discover a hidden architectural gem in the heart of Moravia—the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Rousínov. This magnificent Baroque sanctuary, designed by the renowned Italian architect Domenico Martinelli, offers a fascinating blend of history and art, making it a captivating stop for every tourist and history enthusiast.
A History Forged in Renewal
Built on the site of an earlier 15th-century chapel, the church you see today rose from the ashes of the Thirty Years’ War. Construction began in 1699, a symbol of hope and renewal for the war-torn region. Under the direction of master builder Georg Johann Bitterpfeil and funded by Dominik Ondřej Kounic, the church was completed around 1706, showcasing the grandeur of the Baroque period.
Unique Architectural Features
The Church of St. Mary Magdalene is not just a building; it’s a testament to unique design. It’s a single-nave structure featuring two distinctive side chapels and a richly articulated façade with pilaster strips. One of its most intriguing features is its inverted orientation, with the entrance located unusually at the presbytery. The foundations of its prismatic tower are believed to be the original base of the older chapel, connecting the new structure to its medieval past.
Visitors can also admire the nearby rectory, built in 1729, which complements the church’s historical setting. Despite losing its original bells during both World Wars, the church has since been re-equipped, with new bells added in 1968 and 1991. The recent renovations from 2022 to 2024 have restored the church to its full glory, ensuring its beauty endures for generations to come.
Where to eat and sleep?
Restaurants and accommodation along the trail.
Accommodation in Udens Tornis
- Olšany 225, 683 01 Olšany
- www.vilian.eu
- info@vilian.eu
- +420 775 070 451
Apartments near Slavotinek
- Olšany 173, 683 01 Olšany
- www.uslavotinku.cz
- k.slavotinek@seznam.cz
- +420 603 475 130
Farm Olšany s.r.o.
- Olšany 221, Olšany
- www.statekolsany.cz
- statek.olsany@seznam.cz
- +420 733 366 647
At the Red Beech
- Olšany 221, Olšany
- www.penziony.cz/olsany/u-cerveneho-buku
- +420 733 366 647
Apartment in Sídliště 39
- V Sídlišti 387/39, 68301 Rousínov
- https://www.booking.com/hotel/cz/apartman-v-sidlisti.html
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Photogallery
Photos from hiking.
Why walk the trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route?
The long-distance trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route invite you to pilgrimage sites and archaeological sites that have contributed significantly to the development of Slavic culture. They are signposted in both directions and encourage wandering without borders, not only state borders.
- Experience: you'll be surprised what you can do
- Great signposting: tourist signposting
- Incredible landscape: we wander through the countryside off the busy stretches
What can be obtained?
Perhaps everyone likes to bring back something from hiking, be it various tourist and souvenir items. If you will be hiking the Cyril and Methodius Route, we have prepared the following printed materials to motivate you to hike the trail:
- Pilgrimage passports: collecting stamps for a special passport
- Memorial letters: a souvenir letter at the end of the journey
- Maps: printed guide