Basilica of Assumption and Saints Cyril and Methodius

The Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Saints Cyril and Methodius is a Baroque Roman Catholic church in the village of Velehrad in Moravia, and it is considered the largest Baroque church in the Czech Republic. It forms part of a former monastery founded by Cistercian monks and now run by Jesuits, and it has held the rank of minor basilica for nearly a century, making it one of the country's most significant pilgrimage sites.

Where is Velehrad and how do you get there?

Velehrad lies in the Zlín Region of Moravia, close to the town of Uherské Hradiště, at coordinates 49.1035°N, 17.3959°E — a quiet, rural spot at the foot of the Chřiby hills. It is a small village, but thanks to the basilica's standing as a national shrine, it is well connected to the surrounding tourist hubs of Moravia; reaching it by car or train via Uherské Hradiště is straightforward, and the village itself revolves largely around the monastery and the basilica.

Why does this place matter so much?

Velehrad's history reaches back to the 9th century and the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia — their work here is at the root of the site's tradition as a cradle of Christianity and Slavic literacy in the region. A Cistercian monastery was established here in the Middle Ages, and after its dissolution the complex passed to the Jesuit order, which still cares for it today. The church's current Baroque form gave it a monumental character and cemented its position as the most important pilgrimage church in the Czech Republic.

Every July, the basilica hosts the National Pilgrimage tied to the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, an event that draws thousands of the faithful from the Czech Republic and neighboring countries. The site's importance was further underlined by Pope John Paul II's visit in 1990, preceded five years earlier by the church being awarded the Golden Rose, one of the highest papal honors. A large cross commemorating that papal visit now stands in the courtyard in front of the basilica.

What can you see on site?

The basilica's exterior and interior represent mature Baroque architecture on a scale rarely seen in the region — a monumental façade, a spacious nave, and rich liturgical furnishings make an impression even on visitors with no particular religious connection to the shrine. It's also worth taking in the surroundings: the former monastery buildings, the courtyard with its memorial cross, and the calm, orderly layout of the whole complex, which has served both a religious and an educational role for centuries.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the character of the site, the most exceptional time to visit is during the July National Pilgrimage, when Velehrad comes alive with large-scale religious and cultural events — a good opportunity to see the basilica functioning fully as a living shrine. Those looking for a quieter visit should aim for other times of year, when the interior and grounds can be explored without crowds.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Basilica of Velehrad? It is a Baroque Roman Catholic minor basilica, the largest Baroque church in the Czech Republic, part of a former Cistercian monastery now run by the Jesuits.

Why is Velehrad an important pilgrimage site? The site is linked to the tradition of Saints Cyril and Methodius' mission in Great Moravia, and every July it hosts the National Pilgrimage, drawing thousands of pilgrims.

Did a pope ever visit this place? Yes, Pope John Paul II visited the basilica in 1990; five years earlier, in 1985, the church had been awarded the Golden Rose by the Vatican.

Where exactly is the basilica located? In the village of Velehrad in Moravia's Zlín Region, near Uherské Hradiště, at coordinates 49.1035°N, 17.3959°E.