The basilica houses a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, decorated with gold and precious stones.
The site features a stone staircase with 250 steps leading up to the basilica from the lower forest area.
Architect Dušan Jurkovič's Way of the Cross incorporates regional folk motifs into its architectural design, differentiating it from traditional ecclesiastical structures.
The basilica contains a water spring located beneath the church, which is popularly believed by pilgrims to have healing properties.
During the 17th-century Counter-Reformation, the site served as a vital center for re-Catholicization efforts in the Moravian region.
The Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is the most significant Marian pilgrimage site in Moravia, situated atop the 735-meter Hostýn hill. The current basilica, rebuilt in the mid-18th century, incorporates elements of the earlier Renaissance and Baroque periods. It is renowned for the statue of the Virgin Mary of Hostýn, which is said to have saved the local population during the Mongol invasion of 1241. The site features an extensive system of stone arcades, known as Jurkovič's Way of the Cross, designed by architect Dušan Jurkovič. A unique feature is the interior decorative wall, composed of ceramic tiles depicting the Way of the Cross, created by artist Jano Köhler. The complex includes a functional lookout tower and a cemetery where notable figures from the Moravian region are buried. It remains an active religious site managed by the Society of Jesus.
The elevated viewing terrace near the exterior walls provides a panoramic view of the Moravian plains.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the approach involves significant inclines and uneven paths through the forest.
Bring a reusable water bottle to fill at the pilgrimage spring located on the grounds.
Check for major pilgrimage dates on the official calendar if you prefer to avoid large, organized crowds.
Attempting to drive directly to the basilica entrance without checking seasonal access restrictions, as private vehicle traffic is frequently limited to authorized shuttles.
Access may be limited during heavy winter snowfalls; major religious pilgrimages occur on specific weekends from May to September.
Maintain silence inside the basilica; modest attire covering shoulders and knees is expected.
