Velešovice: Nature, History and Sacred Architecture

Velešovice lies in the valley of the Rakovec stream, on its left bank. For trip planning, the natural landscape, architectural history and routes offer different points of interest: at the Vrchní rybník biocentre, bodies of water meet the gradual return of new animal and plant species; the church and the chapel on the village square each have their own historical dates. Two routes also pass through the village.

Landscape and Nature

At 301 metres, Stará hora is the highest point in the cadastral area of Velešovice. The Vrchní rybník biocentre covers 12 hectares and includes a pond, a wetland and open ditches for water supply. The elevation refers to the entire cadastral area, while the area figure refers to the biocentre. This places a topographic landmark alongside a waterscape with different features. Since the biocentre was created, new animal and plant species have gradually returned to the area.

Sacred Architecture and Local History

The Church of St Barbara is a High Baroque building dating from 1731–1732 and a prominent landmark in Velešovice’s sacred precinct. It is listed as an immovable cultural monument. The construction dates and architectural style offer different clues: the dates pinpoint when it was built, while “High Baroque” describes its architectural classification.

The Kříž SMÍŘENÍ is a 6.5-metre-high oak cross southeast of and above Velešovice. On the village square, the Chapel of St John of Nepomuk was built in 1867 by residents of the municipality on the site of an earlier small chapel. The ensemble includes the originally Classicist Chapel of St John of Nepomuk and the Classicist statue of St John of Nepomuk dating from 1803. The dates refer to different elements: 1803 dates the statue, and 1867 the construction of the chapel.

Since 1993, a holy mass has been celebrated in the chapel every year on 16 May, the feast day of St John of Nepomuk. If you would like to include this date in your trip plans, check the local arrangements in advance.

Routes and Getting There

Two routes pass through Velešovice: the Krajem bitvy tří národů cycle route is 58.65 kilometres long in total; the Naučná stezka bitvy u Slavkova educational trail is 34.7 kilometres long in total. At 34.7 kilometres, the educational trail is shorter than the cycle route. Check local conditions and route signage before setting out.

Velešovice is connected to the IDS JMK network and has six bus stops. Network access and the number of stops offer different points of reference for getting there. If you are planning to travel by bus, check the relevant connection and timetable for your travel date.

Regional Context

Velešovice is in the immediate vicinity of the protected heritage zone of the Slavkov battlefield. Designated in 1992, the zone covers 17 municipalities. It adds a regional historical context to the local sacred architecture.

Discover more destinations: Malínky, Bošovice, Nemojany, Švábenice, Drysice, Studnice, Austerlitz, Hostěrádky-Rešov.

Back to the main travel overview: Vyškov District.