Ruda: Church history, nativity scenes and trails

When looking for hotels in Ruda, consider what you want to focus on during your stay: Ruda combines the history of the Church of St. Giles with memorial sites, cycling and hiking routes, and seasonal events. These themes differ considerably: historical landmarks offer insights into the town’s history, while the routes identify different types of trails and connections between places. If you are planning a trip around a particular tour or Christmas display, check the relevant dates and seasonal information in advance.

Church of St. Giles and local history

The Church of St. Giles is considered Ruda’s most important historical monument. Its cornerstone was laid on 25 May 1792, and it was consecrated on 4 September 1795. Four bells hang in the tower, including one from 1516 and another from 1709. The bells therefore date back further than the church, which was built in the late 18th century.

The first recorded mention of Ruda dates from 1353, when the settlement was called Hruda. Historical iron ore mining is also part of the town’s history: miners’ hammers on the municipal coat of arms and flag represent it. Ruda thus offers a range of historical themes, from the settlement’s early mention and mining to the church’s architectural history.

A memorial to the fallen of the First World War stands next to the church. Another memorial site is by the Holíkův pond: beside the pond stands a reconciliation cross dating from 1812 and measuring 71 × 36 × 20 cm. The pond now serves as a fire reservoir. The locations are clearly distinct: the war memorial is beside the church, while the cross is by the pond.

Cycling and hiking around Ruda

Cycle route 5240 passes through Ruda, connecting Bohdalec, Křižanov and Tasov. There is also a blue-marked hiking trail through Ruda’s cadastral area. Possible routes lead via Jabloňov and Tasov to Budišov, or via Ořechov and Osová Bítýška to Velká Bíteš. Check the current signage before setting out. Tasov appears on both the cycling connection and one of the hiking routes, so when planning, pay attention to the route type and direction, not just the place name.

The “Zlaté kolo Vysočiny” is a recurring cycling tour for unregistered cyclists of all ages. It starts and finishes in Ruda near Velké Meziříčí; the 21st edition took place in 2024. If you want to plan your trip around this tour, check the date of the relevant edition in advance. Free cycling maps are available at the local U Malců pub; check whether they are available there before making your plans.

Pilgrimage and Christmas season

The “sv. Jiljí” pilgrimage takes place in Ruda every year. If you want your trip to coincide with this recurring event, check the date for the relevant year. The pilgrimage is a distinct event, in addition to the historical sites and designated cycling and hiking routes.

Christmas nativity scenes are also among Ruda’s seasonal attractions. A traditional nativity scene has been displayed in the same location in front of the church for decades; check before your trip whether it will be on display that season. During a walk in December 2024, visitors could see illuminated nativity scenes in the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk and in the window of the cultural centre’s library. This display is seasonal, so it is advisable to check the current season’s information.

Discover more destinations: Unčín, Blažkov, Věchnov, Sklené, Bolesín, Matějov, Bobrová, Sulkovec.

See the regional travel overview: Žďár nad Sázavou District.