Velehrad
Significant spiritual pilgrimage site featuring a major basilica and the oldest Cistercian abbey in the region. It is historically linked to the center of Great Moravia and the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Read more…
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Historically recognized as the probable center of the Moravian Principality and Great Moravia, this site is the most prominent Christian pilgrimage destination in the country. It is closely associated with the 9th-century mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The location's significance is marked by the annual National Pilgrimage and was highlighted by two visits from Pope John Paul II.
The complex includes the Basilica of the Assumption of Mary and Saints Cyril and Methodius and a former Cistercian monastery, which stands as the oldest of its kind in Moravia. While the abbey's origins are documented as far back as 1131, it is currently managed by the Jesuit order. The site serves as a spiritual and educational hub, housing various religious and cultural institutions.
Beyond its religious functions, the municipality provides recreational and sports facilities alongside educational centers. It hosts frequent church celebrations, particularly the Cyril-Methodius festivities, which attract tens of thousands of participants annually. The area remains accessible to the public as a center for both spiritual life and historical study.
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