Křtiny (population 832) is one of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in Moravia — and has been for eight centuries. Its centrepiece is the monumental Baroque church designed by architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. From here you can also head into the Josefov Valley and Křtiny Valley, as well as to the Výpustek Cave.
QUICK LINKS ⛪ Why visit · 🥾 Trails nearby · ❓ FAQ
Why visit
Křtiny sits at a crossroads of old and modern routes leading straight into the heart of the karst — the first written mention dates back to 1237, though archaeological finds from nearby caves point to settlement here since prehistoric times. Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims from across Europe have made their way here to the Baroque Church of the Name of the Virgin Mary, designed by the leading Baroque architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. The site also includes a chateau, now used as a facility of Mendel University complete with a hotel and restaurant.
An unmissable piece of modern architecture is the oval-shaped primary school and nursery building on the slope of Bukovský Hill — a striking modern counterpoint to the Baroque church and a landmark of the village in its own right. In 2017, Křtiny was named Village of the Year for the South Moravian Region.
Trails nearby
From Křtiny, a marked trail leads to the Výpustek Cave (for details, see our separate article) as well as to the sinkhole of the Křtiny Stream. Following the blue-marked Cyril and Methodius Trail via Habrůvka, you can walk all the way to the Josefov Valley, home to unique karst features — cliffs, caves, and the resurgence spring of the Křtiny Stream. Thanks to its scenic charm, the area around Křtiny and the valley is often nicknamed “Moravian Switzerland”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the church in Křtiny open to visitors? Yes, it’s an active pilgrimage church — services and visits take place regularly, though it’s worth checking current opening hours on site.
Can you stay overnight in Křtiny? Yes, there’s a hotel with a restaurant within the chateau grounds.
How far is it from Křtiny to the Výpustek Cave? Following the marked trail, it’s a pleasant walk of just a few kilometres — see our article on Výpustek for full details.
Part of the series A Week in the Moravian Karst: A Complete 7-Day Itinerary. More details: Výpustek Cave, Josefov Valley and Křtiny Valley, Křtiny Valley. Sources: brochure by the Association for Rural Development of the Moravian Karst (published with support from the Ministry for Regional Development of the Czech Republic). Village details may change over time — for current information, visit krtiny.cz.
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