Rajhrad combines a long monastic history with Baroque architecture, a route through the region and a walk in the floodplain forest. The Benedictine monastery is the oldest monastery in Moravia. The Baroque monastery complex, which has been restored in stages, is also home to the Památník písemnictví na Moravě, a literary memorial opened in 2005.

The monastery and its Baroque architectural history

The building history is reflected in several events that took place at different times. In 1718, Jan Blažej Santini Aichl was commissioned to plan the Baroque expansion of the Benedictine monastery. The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, by contrast, was remodelled in the Baroque style in 1765 and 1766; its design is attributed to Santini. Visitors interested in architecture can consider the monastery’s development and the remodelling of the parish church as distinct chapters.

The Památník písemnictví na Moravě adds a literary dimension to this architectural history. Its location in the monastery complex connects a visit to the memorial with the Baroque site. For a stay focused on history and architecture, both the monastery’s development and its present-day cultural significance form part of Rajhrad’s character.

Historical traces in the town

Other historical references tell stories of different periods and subjects. The first written mention of the Rajhradský mlýn dates from 1092. Stará pila is a technical monument in Rajhrad, renovated by the Benedictines of Rajhrad in 1763. These dates therefore represent different kinds of historical evidence: the first written mention of a mill in one case, and the renovation of a technical monument in the other.

A small museum is housed in the convent of the Sisters of the Consolers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Its exhibits illustrate the congregation’s dramatic history. If you plan to visit, it is best to check visiting arrangements in advance. Another historical reference is the monument to General Kozyr, unveiled in 1973 on the grounds of the horticultural school in Rajhrad.

Route and landscape

The Poznáváme Rajhradsko educational trail is 25.5 kilometres long in total and consists of two circular sections. If you plan to walk it, check current trail conditions before your trip. Another option when visiting the Benedictine monastery is a walk through the adjacent floodplain forest. As local access conditions can change, it is a good idea to check them before your walk. The route and the floodplain forest offer different possibilities for planning: a trail divided into two loops and a walk that can be combined with a visit to the monastery.

The U staré pily relaxation area is another part of Rajhrad’s landscape. A boathouse for water sports is located there in a former channel of the Svratka River. This place adds another river-related theme to the area’s cultural and architectural history.

The Way of St. James and the fair

The Way of St. James leads into the Benedictine monastery complex, which is also home to the Památník písemnictví na Moravě. For travellers interested in the pilgrimage route, this is another reason to consider Rajhrad from the perspective of the Way of St. James. The monastery and the literary memorial are located in the same complex.

Rajhrad’s annual events calendar includes a traditional fair. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the exact dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Moravské Bránice, Kratochvilka, Ledce, Všechovice, Unkovice, Kupařovice, Pasohlávky, Veverská Bítýška.

For the broader travel overview: Brno-Country District.