Chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius

The Chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius stands on the village square of Řásná, a small settlement in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands roughly 8 km northwest of Telč. It is a modest sacral building, but a genuine local landmark for a village of fewer than 270 residents — and a good reason to break a journey between Telč and the Jihlava Hills.

What should you know about the chapel?

The chapel was built in 1885 and dedicated from the outset to Saints Cyril and Methodius, the missionaries to the Slavs and patron saints of Europe. It stands right on the village square, a common arrangement for local chapels raised by community initiative in the second half of the 19th century — meant to serve everyday devotion in places far from the nearest parish church.

Today the chapel belongs to the Roman Catholic parish of Mrákotín, and pastoral care is provided by an administrator serving multiple villages from a neighboring parish. Mass is held once a month, on the second Saturday at 5:00 PM, with Sunday validity — a typical rhythm for small rural chapels in the region, where a single priest covers several communities.

How do you get to Řásná?

Řásná lies along the road connecting Telč with the Jihlava Hills (Jihlavské vrchy), whose highest peak is Javořice. The village makes a convenient stop for travelers heading toward this range from Telč — one of the most visited towns in the Highlands region, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic center. The village itself has no railway connection, so the easiest way to arrive is by car or local bus.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Besides the Chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the village and its surroundings hold a few other points of interest: the Chapel of St. Anthony and the remains of a 13th-century mining fortress, evidence that the area around Řásná was once mined for ore. A flooded quarry lies nearby too, popular with visitors looking for the region's lesser-known corners. The village's own history reaches back to the 14th century — the first written mention dates to 1385, and from 1410 Řásná belonged to the Telč estate.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and summer are the best seasons, when the surrounding hills and trails toward Javořice invite longer walks, and the monthly second-Saturday Mass gives visitors a chance to see the chapel open and in active use, not just from the outside. In autumn, the area gains extra appeal from the colors of the Highlands' forests.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Řásná built? The chapel was built in 1885 and dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius from the start.

Are Masses held in the chapel? Yes, once a month, on the second Saturday at 5:00 PM, with Sunday validity.

Which parish does the chapel belong to? The chapel is administratively part of the Roman Catholic parish of Mrákotín.

What else is worth seeing in and around Řásná? The Chapel of St. Anthony, the remains of a 13th-century mining fortress, a flooded quarry, and trails toward Javořice, the highest peak of the Jihlava Hills.