THE SOUL OF THE RENAISSANCE REGION: TO THE MONASTERIES AND CHURCHES OF THE VYSOČINA HIGHLANDS

Discover the beauty of the so-called Renaissance Region. Although the Renaissance celebrated the body more than the spirit, the poor region of the Highlands has always been deeply rooted in religious traditions. The generosity of the lords and the faith of the common people built and maintained shrines in the countryside - monasteries, pilgrimage sites and simple chapels.

Even when the water swallowed up the glory of the lords and cities, the ghosts have survived to this day. This route will take you away from the famous hiking centres to forest solitudes and hilltops. Through the sacred places you will discover the soul of the Vysočina Highlands Region.

Route description or Where to go

The start of the trip can be found in the spiritual centre of the region. Namely the Premonstratensian monastery in Nová Říše. Its buildings glistening in the sun and the tall double towers of the Abbey Church of St. Peter and Paul recalls the atmosphere of famous pilgrimage sites, and so you feel like you are in sunny Italy in the landscaped square. Here you will get an insight into the spiritual history of the region.

The first kilometres along the trails of saints and lords will take you to the former seat of the founders of the monastery of Nová Říše, today's village of Červený Hrádek on the South Bohemian side of the regional border. Only the ramparts of the original settlement remain, so from here you'll cross the stream and follow cycle path 5124 up a wooded ridge to the Renaissance Region Greenway. A pleasant ridge road will take you through the forest to the St.

Magdaléna Hunting lodge,which is actually a former chapel converted to housing. You will leave the greenway route again and climb up the road to Krasonice.

The reason for visiting here is the pilgrimage chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Humberk with a beautiful view of the surrounding area. After returning to Krasonice, your next pilgrimage destination is after another 15 km. Via Zdeňkov and Rozseč follow the signs for cycle path 5092. Leave it just before the exit to Stará Říše and in Markvartice it will be easier to cross the busy road 23. Use the dirt road to rejoin the road and cycle path 5092 in Salatice. Before the main road, however, turn left onto the forest road and at the next fork leave the signposts and take the tarmac road to the right to reach Hladov.

Your next stop is the Pospíchal family brewery. This stop is closely related to the whole tour, because the brewery follows the traditions of the monastery brewery in Nová Říše. It would be a shame to miss this place. From Hladov, a beautiful paved road will lead you through the forest all the way to the secluded village of Nepomuk. At the romantic chapel of St. Johnyou will again come across the greenway, whose markings will lead you through forest and field paths back to the Staré Říše.

In the village, head for the All Saints' Church, which will allow you to cross the busy road 23 again at the most convenient point. From Staré Říše continue along the road. If you have enough time and strength, you can return to the greenway, which heads to Bohuslavice along dirt roads a little more to the right of the main road. Behind Vápovice, turn into the centre of Bohuslavice to the famous Farmstead. The area is no longer just an ordinary farm, but there are activities for the whole family - from a mini-zoo and playroom for children to a ceramics workshop, a restaurant and stylish accommodation to a gym or an original home distillery with tastings available. Refreshed at the end of the route, you will ride around the road back to the Nová Říše square near the monastery.