Pilgrimage Basilica on Svatý Hostýn

Svatý Hostýn above Bystřice pod Hostýnem is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Moravia. It lies in the Hostýn Hills, about 40 km north-east of Kroměříž by road, and attracts both pilgrims and hikers.

Its landmark is the Baroque Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Construction to plans by Ignác Josef Cyrani began in 1721, and the church was solemnly consecrated in 1748 in the presence of the Bishop of Olomouc. Several chapels stand around the basilica, and below the staircase leading up to the church is the Water Chapel with a spring from which pilgrims collect water.

Behind the basilica begin the unusual Stations of the Cross designed by the architect Dušan Jurkovič, with artwork designed by the painter Joža Uprka. The site is looked after by the Matice svatohostýnská association and the Roman Catholic parish of Svatý Hostýn. The lookout tower on the summit is closed until further notice for technical reasons.