The Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary at Svatý Kopeček
The Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary and adjacent Premonstratensian residence at Svatý Kopeček near Olomouc is one of the stops on the Cyril and Methodius pilgrimage route that leads here from Svatý Hostýn. Since 1633, when the Olomouc burgher Jan Andrýsek built the first small chapel, Svatý Kopeček became one of the most frequented pilgrimage sites in Moravia.
In the first half of the 18th century the church was extended to include a Premonstratensian residence, the wings of which expand the church front with two towers to almost 100m. The complex also incorporates the Holy stairs, the chapel of St. Anne, a courtyard with the statue of St. Norbert and oval chapel of the Name of the Virgin Mary.
The orientation of the church is unusual; it is laid out so as to allow a view of the Hradisko monastery in the prolonged axis of the church nave – there used to be a Calvary and tree-lined alley connecting them. The result is a fine example of Baroque landscaping.
