THE EIGHTEENTH STAGE OF HIKING
Rousínov - Bučovice
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Basic information about the trail
The trail leads through the Lutršték pilgrimage site to the town of Bučovice, where there is a Marian church and Bučovice Castle with a castle garden.
What's ahead of us?
Starting point: Rousínov
Ending point: Bučovice
Distance: 16,5 km
Estimated travel time: 4:54 hours
Difficulty: medium
Altitude: ascent 323 m, descent 337 m
Surface: mainly forest roads, paved roads
Critical points: none
Our tip:
If you start the stage from Olšany, where you have been staying, we recommend using public transport to Rousínov to the bus station, where there is a tourist signpost ROUSÍNOV – BUS, from where we will continue our journey along the marked Cyril and Methodius Route to Bučovice.
Take enough food and drink with you, as there are sections of the trail without the possibility of buying food during the journey.
What can be seen?
Archaeological, pilgrimage, technical and natural monuments.
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.
Information centre Slavkov u Brna
- Palackého nám. 1 684 01, Slavkov u Brna
- http://www.zamek-slavkov.cz/
- infocentrum@zamek-slavkov.cz
- +420 513 034 156
Lutršték pilgrimage site
- Němčany
- www.farnostslavkov.cz
- rkf.slavkov@biskupstvi.cz
- +420 604 280 160
Lutršték: A Pilgrimage of Miracles and Hope
Perched on a hill northwest of the village of Němčany, the Lutršték pilgrimage site is a place steeped in legend and spiritual devotion. Its name, reportedly derived from the German "lauter Steg" (clear path), perfectly encapsulates the sense of purpose and clarity that pilgrims have sought here for centuries. This sacred site is dedicated to the Our Lady of Sorrows, whose powerful presence is felt in the serenity of the landscape.
A Story of Miraculous Waters
The heart of the Lutršték legend lies in a spring with water believed to have miraculous healing powers. According to tradition, the spring restored the sight of several blind people, and in gratitude, a small chapel with a statue of the Virgin Mary was built nearby. As word of the miracles spread, more and more pilgrims began to arrive, their collective faith leading to the construction of the larger church you see today. Built between 1867 and 1877 from the donations of pilgrims, the church is a testament to the community’s unwavering devotion.
A Living Place of Faith and Art
The single-nave church is an intimate and beautiful space, adorned with a main altar featuring a revered painting of Our Lady of Sorrows. In front of the church, a statue of Christ the King and two stone crosses stand as guardians over the grounds. Over the years, the site has been meticulously cared for, with numerous renovations that have preserved its historical beauty while adding modern comforts. A visit to Lutršték offers a peaceful moment of reflection, a chance to connect with a history of miracles, and an opportunity to walk a path that has brought hope to countless pilgrims.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- Mírová 203, 685 01 Bučovice
- www.farnostbucovice.cz
- bucovice@dieceze.cz
- +420 517 383 516
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Bučovice
Rising majestically on a hill above the town square, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is the most valuable and prominent historical monument in Bučovice. With its towering twin steeples and monumental classical facade, it stands as a dominant landmark, arguably even more so than the nearby Mannerist chateau. The church's history is a story of architectural evolution. It was originally completed in the Baroque style in 1641, following the design of the renowned architect Giovanni Giacomo Tencalli. Over a century later, it underwent significant alterations, and in the 19th century, it was expanded with side naves and given its distinctive twin-towered classical entrance. The interior was also beautifully enhanced with intricate stucco figure decorations by the artist J. Schubert.
For those following the Cyril and Methodius Route, the church holds a special significance. The square in front of the entrance is adorned with a collection of impressive sandstone statues of saints. Among them is a cherished sculpture of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a poignant reminder of their enduring spiritual and cultural legacy in the region. The statuary group also includes depictions of St. John of Nepomuk, St. John Sarkander, and St. Florian, all of whom add to the sacred beauty of this historic site.
Bučovice Castle
- Zámek 1, Bučovice
- www.zamek-bucovice.cz
- bucovice@npu.cz
- +420 517 383 831
Bučovice Chateau: A Renaissance Gem of Moravia
Welcome to one of the most stunning examples of Renaissance architecture in Central Europe. The Bučovice Chateau is a true gem, standing apart from other castles in the Czech Republic. It is not a reconstruction of an older fortress but an original, masterful creation of the Italian Late Renaissance, making it a unique "palazzo in fortezza" north of the Alps. Designed by the renowned architect Jacopo Strada, who managed the art collections of Habsburg emperors, the chateau is a living testament to the opulence and artistry of the 16th century.
Discover the Chateau’s Unforgettable Highlights
- The Magnificent Arcaded Courtyard: Prepare to be captivated by the central courtyard, featuring 90 towering columns. These pillars are a work of art in themselves, adorned with an incredible 540 unique reliefs. Each one tells a story, depicting fascinating scenes from war and mythology, coats of arms, exotic animals, and whimsical musical instruments.
- The Unique “Upside-Down World” of the Hare’s Room: Step into the famous Hare’s Room, a fascinating example of Mannerist art. Here, you’ll witness a whimsical and satiric “upside-down world” where hares have taken control from humans. The remarkable frescoes show hares hunting people, battling dogs, and celebrating their victory in a royal feast.
- Engaging Historical Exhibitions: Delve deeper into the past with the “Moravian Aristocrat in the Labyrinth of the World” exhibition. This new, interactive experience brings to life the daily routines, education, and hobbies of the Moravian Renaissance nobility, offering an intimate look at a world of cultural prosperity and tolerance.
The Bučovice Chateau offers a perfect blend of artistic splendor, rich history, and intriguing stories. It’s an essential stop for anyone exploring the historical treasures of Moravia and an ideal cultural complement to your journey along the Cyril and Methodius Route.
Information and Cultural Centre
- Mírová 203, 685 01 Bučovice
- www.farnostbucovice.cz
- bucovice@dieceze.cz
- +420 517 383 516
Where to eat and sleep?
Restaurants and accommodation along the trail.
Golf Hotel Austerlitz
- Na golfovém hřišti 1510, 684 01 Slavkov u Brna
- www.hotelausterlitz.cz
- info@hotelausterlitz.cz
- +420 544 221 588
Pension MACHYNKA
- Nová 590, Bučovice 685 01
- penzion.machynka.cz
- miroslav@machynka.cz
- +420 517 384 125
Pension U Šembery
- Zahradní 108, 685 01 Bučovice
- www.vinarnasembera.cz
- sitina@nastrojecz.cz
- +420 777 032 370
Hotel Arkáda
- náměstí Svobody 32 685 01 Bučovice
- www.hotel-arkada.cz
- info@hotel-arkada.cz
- +420 517 383 470
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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