Velehrad – Modrá
This short, relaxing trail connects Velehrad with the nearby archaeological open-air museum in Modrá, offering an easy walk along local ponds and quiet countryside. The route smoothly links two major centers of Great Moravian history and cultural heritage with peaceful natural surroundings.
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Whether you are heading out for a relaxing afternoon stroll, a bit of Nordic walking, or combining your trip with local culinary experiences and history, this scenic route provides the perfect transition between two of the region's most captivating destinations.
Don’t rush! Take your time to explore both ends of the trail. In Velehrad, admire the monumental architecture and unwind in the convent gardens, while Modrá welcomes you with its unique living archaeological open-air museum, a freshwater aquarium showcasing local aquatic life, and cozy restaurants where you can taste authentic regional specialties. It is a short walk that easily turns into a full afternoon of discovery, nature, and great food.
Route Information
Route Conditions
What to expect
A very busy route, particularly at weekends and during the tourist season. You’ll come across walkers, families with children, leisure cyclists, skaters and runners here. As the path is shared with cyclists, it’s important to show consideration for one another. However, the surface and width of the path allow for comfortable passing.
Road sections
This is a mixed-use path for pedestrians and cyclists (a so-called ‘shared path’), which is separated from the main road traffic. The route begins in an urbanised area near the pilgrimage site of Velehrad, from where it transitions seamlessly into a quiet inter-village zone around the reservoirs and heads towards the Archeoskanzen in Modrá. In some places, it crosses or runs parallel to a local service road; however, a separate corridor for non-motorised transport predominates.
Footwear
For this route, ordinary city walking shoes, trainers or casual shoes are perfectly adequate.
Best time
Route Map
Recommended Stops
Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Saints Cyril and Methodius
The monumental basilica is the spiritual and architectural centre of Velehrad. Inside, visitors can discover the main nave, side chapels, the Chapel of Our Lady Mother of Christian Unity, the Royal Chapel with the tomb of Archbishop Antonín Cyril Stojan and the sarcophagus of Cardinal Tomáš Špidlík SJ in the presbytery.
Velehrad House of Saints Cyril and Methodius
The former agricultural buildings of the Velehrad monastery now form a multifunctional visitor centre. The complex houses an information centre, exhibitions, a pilgrimage shop, a confectionery and other visitor facilities. The exhibitions introduce Velehrad's place in European history and Christian culture.
Archaeological Sites and Underground Spaces
Archaeological remains beneath and around the monastery reveal earlier phases of the site's development. The preserved structures and underground spaces offer an insight into the long history of Velehrad beyond its visible monuments.
Great Moravian Fortified Settlement
The heart of the open-air museum is a reconstructed Great Moravian fortified settlement based on archaeological discoveries from the region. Visitors can walk through reconstructed houses, workshops, agricultural buildings and defensive structures and gain an impression of everyday life in the 9th century.
Treasury of Great Moravia
The underground Treasury presents original archaeological finds and scientific replicas from Great Moravian graves and settlements in the region. Its modern circular architecture creates a distinctive setting for discovering jewellery, weapons and other objects from the early medieval period.
The ‘Living Water’ Exhibition
The exhibition features underwater tunnels through which you can observe freshwater fish in the pools, interactive displays about life in and around water, and other attractions. The site also includes a natural swimming area where you can take a refreshing dip whilst visiting the exhibition.
Where to Stay
Food & Drink
Related Heritage Sites
