Haná
Haná and Surroundings – Cultural Landscape in the Heart of Moravia
The region of Haná is a picturesque flat landscape with wide, fertile fields and protected floodplain forests, located in the heart of Moravia.
It is characterised by a mild climate, UNESCO landmarks, regional specialities, colourful traditional costumes and a distinctive local dialect.
The combination of nature, culture and living tradition makes Haná an attractive destination for visitors seeking authenticity and tranquillity.
Kroměříž – the Athens of Haná
Thanks to its unique ensemble of historic buildings and magnificent gardens, Kroměříž is also known as the “Athens of Haná”. Since 1999, this Baroque town has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town was founded by Bishop Bruno von Schauenburg, whose tomb is located in the Church of St Maurice in the town centre.
Kroměříž is famous for its Archbishop’s Château with richly decorated halls and an important picture gallery.
The beauty of the town is further enhanced by its well-kept historic château gardens and extensive landscape park with exotic trees. Also of great importance are the Archbishop’s Wine Cellars, where original communion wines have been produced for centuries.
Svatý Hostýn – Marian Pilgrimage Site with a View
Svatý Hostýn, like Velehrad, is one of the most popular Marian pilgrimage sites in Moravia. The Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary stands on the summit of Hostýn at an altitude of 718 m.
Right next to the basilica begins a Way of the Cross designed by the Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič.
In 1898, a lookout tower was also built on the summit, offering impressive panoramic views of the Hostýn Hills and the fertile Haná plain.
The pilgrimage site is easily accessible by bus from Bystřice pod Hostýnem or on foot via the blue and red hiking trails.
Olomouc – Baroque City and UNESCO Heritage Site
Olomouc has the second largest urban heritage reservation in the Czech Republic after Prague. In the historic town centre stands the monumental Holy Trinity Column, a masterpiece of Baroque art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Among the most important secular monuments is the Town Hall with its astronomical clock dating from 1519. The many sacred monuments are most strikingly represented by the Gothic St Wenceslas Cathedral. The Church of St Maurice houses the largest organ in Central Europe.
The best-known pilgrimage destination in the Haná region is the Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček) with its magnificent Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, just 5 km from the city centre.
