Pilgrimige Sites

Velehrad (Moravia): The grandiose Cathedral of the Virgin Mary’s Assumption with its five-nave basilica is the monumental focus for pilgrims who have flocked here for centuries. Locator: 52 mi. from Brno

Olomouc (Northern Moravia): Svaty Kopecek (Holy Hill) is one of the most significant and most visited Christian sites in Czech lands. During a visit in 1995, Pope John Paul II officially raised the status of the Church of the Visitation to the rank of “basilica minor.” Locator: 156 mi. east of Prague; 155 mi. from Krakow; 130 mi. from Vienna

Pribram: While the first sanctuary was built atop Svata-Hora (Holy Mountain) in the 15th century; the Jesuits were in charge when the elaborate Assumption of Our Lady Church was consecrated in the 17th century. Annual processions follow the stations of the cross leading to the summit.
Locator: 40 mi. southwest of Prague

Prague: The Infant Jesus of Prague, or Bambino di Praga, is the main reason why devout travelers from across Latin America make their pilgrimage to Prague. The doll-sized wax figure of Spanish origin, whose shrine is located in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague’s Lesser Town district, is said to have miraculous properties, and many seek its blessings.

Famous Cathedrals

Prague: The St. Vitus’ cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece, the spiritual symbol of the Czech state, was founded in 1344. The structure was built by architects Matthias of Arras and Peter Parler. The construction eventually spanned nearly 600 years; the cathedral was finally completed in 1929. Decorated by precious works of art, it encloses St. Wenceslas' Chapel and the Crypt with tombs of Bohemian kings. The coronation jewels are deposited here, too.

Kutna Hora: Unique because of its three spires side by side, Saint Barbara’s Cathedral is a leading attraction in this UNESCO-protected historical town reserve. Locator: 50 miles from Prague

Kladruby (West Bohemia): The Benedictine Abbey Church of the Holy Virgin, located in West Bohemia, is an 18th century wonder, mixing Gothic severity and Baroque flamboyance into a unique architectural blend. Locator: 19 mi. from Pilsen

Jewish Heritage Sites

Prague: Treasures and artifacts of the Jewish Quarter are now the property of the Jewish Museum, which collectively encompasses the Jewish Cemetery and seven synagogues-including the 13th century Staronova, Europe’s oldest active synagogue. Together the buildings house the world’s largest collection of European Jewish artifacts.

Terezin (Northern Bohemia): The Terezin Memorial is the only work of its kind in the Czech Republic. Its museum, research activities and memorial sites commemorate the victims of the Nazi persecution during the occupation of the Czech lands. The main museum explores the rise of Nazism and life in the Terezin ghetto, while the former Magdeburg Barracks features a reconstructed dormitory for prisoners and exhibits of the rich cultural life that somehow flourished in most fearful time. Locator: 38 mi. north of Prague.

Boskovice: One of the best-preserved, and most atmospheric, Jewish quarters in all of the Czech Republic can be found in the town of Boskovice, just north of Brno. The rare synagogue has been lovingly restored with the help of the World Monuments Fund. Locator: 26 mi. from Brno

Trebic (Moravia): The Jewish Ghetto of Trebic is a well-preserved quarter of vaulted passages, old residences and little squares. Its monuments include the 17th century New Synagogue and the Jewish Cemetery, which with more than 11,000 graves, is the largest in the country. Literarily next door is Basilica Od St. Procopius, for in this whole district, Christian and Jewish communities co-existed side by side for centuries. Locator: 100 mi. southeast of Prague; 38 mi. from Brno.