Place of pilgrimage Velehrad
Discover the enchanting allure of Place of Pilgrimage Velehrad, a premier pilgrimage destination in the Czech Republic. Renowned for its profound spiritual ambiance and rich history, Velehrad offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This vibrant locale is more than just a historical landmark; it is a dynamic hub of spirituality and culture, welcoming visitors with open arms throughout the year. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or a cultural adventure, Velehrad promises an unforgettable experience.
Nestled in the picturesque valley of the Salaška River, Velehrad stands as one of Moravia’s most revered pilgrimage sites. This historic gem traces its origins back over 800 years, when 12 pioneering Cistercian monks established a monastery near the village of Veligrad, now known as Staré Město. Velehrad’s significance extends far beyond its scenic locale. The monastery, named after its strategic location, quickly became a beacon of a much older spiritual legacy. This legacy dates back to the 9th century, when the revered Slavic apostles, Constantine and Methodius, brought their missionary zeal to Moravia. Today, Velehrad is celebrated not just for its local charm, but for its profound intellectual and spiritual connection to the apostolic endeavors of these Slavic heralds. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or a curious traveler, Velehrad offers a rich tapestry of heritage and inspiration waiting to be explored. Plan your visit to Velehrad and immerse yourself in a journey through time and tradition.
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Explore the municipality of Velehrad
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Information from history
HISTORY OF MUNICIPALITY VELEHRAD
Discover the enchanting history of Velehrad, a journey that began over 800 years ago. Nestled in the picturesque valley of the Salaška River, this historic site was founded by 12 pioneering Cistercian monks who established their monastery near the ancient village of Veligrad, now known as Staré Město. Explore the rich heritage and timeless beauty of this remarkable destination.
History of Velehrad
Velehrad is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Moravia. The history of this place began more than 800 years ago, when the first 12 Cistercian monks came to the valley of the Salaška River to build their monastery near the village of Veligrad (today’s Old Town). It was on the basis of its location that the monastery got its name and soon became the bearer of a much older spiritual tradition, which dates back to the 9th century, when the Slavic heralds Constantine and Methodius came to Moravia. Thousands of pilgrims have been flocking to Velehrad for centuries, and Pope John Paul II joined them in 1990.
The founders of the monastery were the Moravian margrave Vladislav Jindřich with his brother Přemysl Otakar I and the bishop of Olomouc Robert. The construction of the church was probably started between 1210 and 1215. Like most Cistercian churches, it adopted the patrocinium of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (the co-patronate of Cyril and Methodius was added in 1932 by a decree of Pope Pius XI. The title of basilica was given to the church in 1928 by the decree of Pope Pius XI).
The original Romanesque-Gothic basilical building was built according to the building traditions of the Cistercians, which were characterized by the beauty of simple lines and modest decoration. The ninety-nine-metre-long building was laid out on the plan of a Latin cross. The eastern side was closed by five apses. The church has not survived in this form due to the tragic events that befell the Cistercian monastery throughout history. In 1421, the Moravian Hussites burnt down the abbey in Velehrad. The monastery decayed for 150 years. It was not until the second half of the 16th century that Abbot Ekard of Schwoben took on the difficult task of restoration. However, the church lost its medieval appearance only as a result of a huge fire that broke out in the monastery in 1681. As a result of this disaster, the church was radically rebuilt. The building was shortened by the church front with a Romanesque concession portal and replaced by a new one dominated by two towers. The side aisles of the basilica were rebuilt with pilastered transepts, creating 14 separate side chapels, 10 of which have altars and under-floor crypts. The 100-metre high Renaissance tower was taken down from the crossing of the aisles and replaced by a dome with a low tower called a lantern. The basilica is now 86 metres long. Despite the radical changes, the church has retained the character of a Romanesque-Gothic building in its proportions and plan.
In 1784 the monastery in Velehrad was dissolved by Joseph II. The monastery property was dismantled, the monastery grounds changed owners and the monastery church became a parish church. The building was very dilapidated and there were no funds for its maintenance. The church was rebuilt in the context of the growing cult of Cyril and Methodius, and was restored during the Cyril and Methodius millenniums in 1863 and 1885. Further development was secured by the arrival of the Jesuits to Velehrad in 1890. During their administration, the building was secured against the ingress of moisture in the 1920s and 1930s. The discovery of Velehrad’s underground, which was opened to the public before the outbreak of the Second World War, was related to this. Between 1935 and 1938 the interior of the church was restored. The coming to power of the totalitarian regimes prevented the development of the pilgrimage site for decades, although the most necessary repairs (e.g. the static securing of the vault and the replacement of the roof and roofing) were carried out.
The Jesuits returned to Velehrad in 1990 and Pope John Paul II came to Velehrad. Since then, a gradual material and spiritual renewal of Velehrad has been taking place, and the project Velehrad – the centre of cultural dialogue between Western and Eastern Europe represents its culmination.
Where to get tourist information?
Contacts
There are two information centres in Velehrad, where tourists and visitors can get information about tours, events, exhibitions and other activities in the municipality.
Infocentrum Velehrad
U Lípy 302, Velehrad 687 06
tel. 571 110 538,
e-mail: info@velehradinfo.cz
web: www.velehradinfo.cz
Velehrad Tourist Centre
Salašská 328, 687 06 Velehrad
tel. 723 984 080
e-mail: ticvelehrad@email.cz
web: www.velehrad.cz
How to get to Velehrad?
The easiest way to reach Velehrad is from Staré Město near Uherské Hradiště.
Bus and car transport:
- along the state road class II No. 428 from the direction of Uh. Hradiště,
- along the state road class II No. 428 from the cottage settlement Bunč through the village of Modrá,
- on the state road of class III No 4222 from the village of Tupesy.
The line bus runs from the bus station in Uh. Hradiště, stop No. 7 via Staré Město u Uherské Hradiště and Modrá. There are several parking lots around the Velehrad Monastery. The one on the square is paid, the others are unpaid (parking lot at Lípa, parking lot Velehrad – tourist center, parking lot Hradiště).