The Pilgrimage Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Cyril and Methodius at Velehrad
Velehrad, named after the nearby Great Moravian stronghold Veligrad, belongs among the most notable pilgrimage sites in Bohemia. It is the main destination of the Cyril and Methodius pilgrimage routes and every year in early June the coming of the apostles of faith is commemorated here by a nation-wide pilgrimage – the Goodwill Days.
The pilgrimage tradition dates back to more than eight-hundred years ago, when the first Moravian Cistercian monastery was founded here. Today’s likeness of pilgrimage complex dates back to the Baroque reconstruction in the 18th century.
The pilgrimage complex at Velehrad features namely the basilica minor of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Cyril and Methodius, supposedly the largest temple in the Czech region at its time. The basilica is one of seven temples in the world that has been awarded the Golden rose. Its engraved Baroque choir pews and mid 18th century organ are true jewels of artistry. You can also see the paradise court, underground catacombs and a Lapidarium with an exhibition of Romanesque and Gothic architecture or the chapel of St. Cyril and Methodius, called Cyrilka.
