Article Host
A spiritual center that is also a popular tourist destination
About 16 km north of Zlín is the most important pilgrimage site of the Marian cult in the Czech Republic, also called Svatý Hostýn. On this hill in Hostýnské vrchy, there is an important pilgrimage complex including a basilica, a hostel for pilgrims, ways of the cross, monuments and a lookout tower.
On 31 January 2018, the pilgrimage basilica on the hill was declared a National Cultural Monument.
Holy Host
Hostýn, a hill with a height of 735 meters above sea level in the Hostýn Hills, is known primarily as an important Marian pilgrimage site with a rich history dating back to the 9th century. According to archaeological findings, there was once a vast prehistoric fort here. Hostýn is famous not only for its spiritual atmosphere, but also for its picturesque nature and architectural gems.
Place of pilgrimage
Svátý Hostýn is an ideal place for those looking for spiritual encouragement, peace and relaxation in a beautiful natural environment. Whether you are religious or not, this place of pilgrimage will leave a deep impression on you. A number of events and pilgrimages are organized here every year. The most famous is Marian in mid-August. The pilgrimage from Velehrad is also very popular.
Marian pilgrimage site with rich history and architecture
In addition to the basilica, the pilgrimage area also includes other sacred buildings. But St. Hostýn is not only a spiritual center, but also a popular tourist destination. There are beautiful hiking trails that lead through the picturesque landscape of the Hostýn Hills.
Basilica
The dominant feature of the pilgrimage area is the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is the highest Moravian pilgrimage basilica. It is built on the lower, western peak of Hostýn at a height of 718 m above sea level
It was built as a sign of gratitude for the rescue of the Moravians during the invasion of the Tatars in Moravia in 1241. According to legend, they were saved thanks to a wild storm that set the occupants' camp on fire with its lightning. During the restoration of the basilica in 1845, a statue of the Virgin Mary throwing lightning bolts at the Tatars was placed here.
Interior of the basilica
Above the main altar is a statue of the Virgin Mary, throwing lightning bolts at the Tatars below.
During the day, several masses are held in the basilica for visitors.
Chapel of St. John Sarkandra
The chapel next to the basilica was built in 1658. In 1890, it was modified to its current neo-baroque form and dedicated to St. Jan Sarkander.
Chapel interior
On the ceiling of the chapel is shown a linden tree, at the root of which stands St. Cyril and Methodius. The paintings on the walls depict the life of St. John Sarkander, who was martyred in 1620 as a victim of the uprising of the Bohemian and Moravian estates against the Habsburgs.
Stairs to the top
The staircase to the basilica was built in 1910. It consists of 250 steps with the names of the donors.
Old Stations of the Cross
The old classicist Way of the Cross was consecrated in 1902. The Way of the Cross consists of various chapels.
Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre
The last stop of the Way of the Cross is the round chapel of the Holy Sepulcher.
Jurkovič's Way of the Cross
The unique Jurkovič Way of the Cross leads to the Holy Sepulcher along the southern and eastern slopes of Hostýn.
Monument to priests martyred in concentration camps
On the left side of the path leading to the top, there is a stone mound dedicated to the priests martyred in the German concentration camps in the years 1939–1945.
Water chapel
At the beginning of the pilgrimage staircase is the Water Chapel. The original chapel around the modified water spring was built in 1658. In 1748, it was extensively rebuilt and a cellar with several water outlets was built under the chapel. The spring is said to have miraculous healing effects.
Hostels of pilgrims
A large capacity of comfortable accommodation and catering is available here for pilgrims. Of course, tourists and visitors can also use the accommodation and catering facilities.
Lookout tower
On the highest peak of Hostýn (735 m above sea level) stands the oldest lookout tower in Moravia. The lookout tower from 1898 offers a beautiful view of Podhostýnsko. With good visibility, it is possible to see as far as Praděd.
The observation tower is 15 m high and the chapel of St. is located on the ground floor. Crisis.
Wind power plant
The overall scenery of the Hostýn peak is influenced by the wind power plant located right next to the observation tower. It was built in 1994, is 32 m high and has a propeller span of 27 m.
