Křelov-Břuchotín – Forts, Churches and Cycle Routes

Křelov-Břuchotín is a destination for a trip where fort history, church architecture, and cycling offer different points of interest. The sites differ in their historical roles and in the details that are useful for planning.

Fort History and Cycle Routes

Fort XVII Křelov is a polygonal permanent fort built between 1851 and 1854. It is listed as an immovable cultural monument of the Czech Republic. The fort houses the Museum of the Olomouc Fortification Complex. It offers public tours as well as tours for groups who book in advance. If you plan to make a tour the focus of your day, check the current tour options before you travel.

Fort XX in Křelov has a wider historical context: it is one of 22 forts that Emperor Franz Joseph I had built around Olomouc in the mid-19th century. Despite military conflicts and natural forces, it has been preserved in almost its original condition. This illustrates the difference between the construction history of Fort XVII and the broader historical context of Fort XX.

The route connections are also useful for planning a cycling trip: Fort XX is on regional cycle route 51A and a few hundred metres from long-distance cycle route 4, the Moravian Route. The route runs from the Jeseníky Mountains to the borders with Slovakia and Austria. Route conditions can change; check them before setting out.

Churches, Chapel, and Local History

The church in Křelov is first mentioned in a document dating from 1279. A new Baroque church dedicated to Saint Giles was built from the ground up between 1719 and 1721. The present-day church, also dedicated to Saint Giles, was built between 1991 and 1993 to a design by Polish architect Jerzy Pekala. The dates thus span the first written mention through to a church building from the late 20th century.

The Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary has a different architectural form. It is a free-standing, non-oriented field chapel with a rectangular ground plan, a right-angled termination, and a gabled roof between triangular gables. According to the parish chronicle, its present location is thought to be the probable site of the former parish church of Křelov. Behind the chapel stands the Křelov reconciliation cross at the intersection of Marie Kudeříkové and Večeřova streets. The chapel and the cross can thus be viewed as two distinct historical points of reference in the town.

Meadows and Summer Events

The grounds of Fort XX include an adjoining public meadow with a stone circular fire pit and recreational areas. In the direction of Křelov is another meadow, covering 2.5 hectares, with an orchard dedicated to restoring traditional fruit varieties. These open spaces add another dimension to a visit focused on the forts: besides buildings and history, the grounds are also shaped by the meadows and the orchard.

FortFest is a family festival held during the summer season on the grounds of Fort XVII. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the event dates in advance. The season is an important part of planning; the festival is not simply the same as an ordinary visit to the fort.

Discover more destinations: Slatinice, Cholina, Střeň, Náklo, Senička, Mutkov, Žerotín, Loučka.

For the wider travel overview: Olomouc District.