Vršíček

Vršíček is a wooded hill rising to 441 metres above sea level at the southwestern edge of the municipality of Litohlavy, in the Rokycany District of the Plzeň Region in the Czech Republic. Its summit carries a Baroque pilgrimage chapel dedicated to the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, which has drawn walkers and pilgrims from nearby Rokycany for centuries.

Why is there a chapel on top?

The hill's story is bound up with a plague outbreak that struck Rokycany in 1713. Townspeople vowed that, if they survived, they would build a small church on the hill in gratitude for the Virgin Mary's protection. The promise was kept decades later: the Baroque chapel was constructed between 1744 and 1747, and besides Mary it was also dedicated to Saints Sebastian, Roch and Rosalia, traditionally invoked against epidemics. The building is today listed as a Czech cultural monument.

How do you get to the summit?

The most distinctive feature of the ascent is a stone staircase leading up from the Rokycany side, built during the 19th century through the contributions of dozens of local donors who funded individual sections — each step bears the carved name of its sponsor. It is an unusually elaborate piece of community-funded pilgrimage infrastructure. Walkers who prefer an easier climb can instead take a gentler path approaching from the east. A yellow-marked hiking trail also runs through the area, starting at Klabava, passing its reservoir, continuing through Litohlavy and on toward Březina Castle — making Vršíček a natural waypoint on a longer regional walk.

What can you see from up there?

Because of its elevated, partly open position, Vršíček is visible from a considerable distance, including from the nearby D5 motorway linking Plzeň and Prague, where it serves as a recognisable landmark for passing drivers. The quiet forest covering the hill and its surroundings also make it a popular short, easy walk for anyone looking to combine a bit of history with a modest view over the countryside.

Is it still an active place of worship?

Yes. Once a year, on the first Sunday of July, Vršíček hosts an annual pilgrimage feast tied to the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. It remains a local event, bringing together residents of Rokycany and surrounding villages, including Litohlavy, and keeping alive a tradition that stretches back nearly three centuries.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Vršíček? The hill reaches 441 metres above sea level.

Where exactly is it located? At the southwestern edge of the Litohlavy municipality, in the Rokycany District of the Plzeň Region.

What stands on the summit? A Baroque chapel of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, built between 1744 and 1747 as a votive offering after a plague epidemic.

How can you reach the top? The signature route is a stone staircase with individually donor-funded steps; there is also a gentler path from the east, and a yellow hiking trail connecting Klabava, Litohlavy and Březina Castle.

Are there any events held here? Yes, an annual pilgrimage takes place on the first Sunday of July, marking the chapel's patronal feast.

Is the hill visible from far away? Yes, including from the D5 motorway, which makes it an easily recognisable landmark in the region.