Velehrad, the pilgrimage site
Velehrad is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Czech Republic. Every year on July 5th, a pilgrimage takes place here in memory of the missionaries Cyril and Methodius. The dominant feature of the pilgrimage site is the Basilica of St. Cyril and Methodius.
The extensive monastery and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Moravia were built in the 1240s in the late Romanesque style. It includes the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, St. Cyril, and St. Methodius.
The current form of the monastery is the result of extensive Baroque reconstruction after a fire, which took place from 1685 to 1735. The author of the design is unknown, but Giovanni Pietro Tencalla is often attributed to it based on the style.
By the decree of Joseph II, the Cistercian monastery was abolished, and the basilica became a parish church. The restoration of Velehrad took place in the second half of the 19th century on the occasion of the thousandth anniversary of the arrival of St. Cyril and Methodius in Moravia. In 1890, Jesuits arrived at the monastery and served there until 1950. They returned again after 1990. The premises of the monastery also house an archbishop's gymnasium.
Velehrad hosts numerous celebrations and gatherings each year. On April 22, 1990, Pope John Paul II visited the monastery. In addition to the basilica, the guide will take you to other monastery sights, such as the underground of the basilica, the farmyard, the abbot's house, the lapidarium, and the monastery garden.
"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."
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