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Zelená Hora Pilgrimage Church
The Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk on Zelená Hora (Green Mountain) is a unique architectural monument of the Moravian Baroque Gothic style. It was built between 1719 and 1722 based on the designs of the visionary architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. The church's design is centered around the symbolism of the number five, representing the five stars that, according to legend, appeared over the body of St. John of Nepomuk. The church features a five-pointed star ground plan, with five gates, five chapels, and five altars integrated into its interior layout. The complex is encircled by an ambulatory in the shape of a ten-pointed star, which historically provided shelter for pilgrims and space for processions. Santini masterfully fused Baroque dynamism with Gothic elements like pointed arches and ribbed vaulting. Due to its extraordinary artistic and architectural significance, the church was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.
- Location: Czech Republic
- Top sights: Nanebevzetí Panny Marie (basilika minor) · Studniční kaple Panny Marie · Zámek Žďár nad Sázavou
- Nearby: Velké Meziříčí (26 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -2 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 13 | 8 | 3 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 45 | 38 | 44 | 40 | 79 | 82 | 84 | 80 | 66 | 49 | 44 | 44 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The church was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
- Architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel designed the building.
- The church is built on a five-pointed star ground plan.
- The number five is the central symbolic element throughout.
- The surrounding ambulatory forms a ten-pointed star.
- The church was officially consecrated in 1722.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Zelená Hora Pilgrimage Church (10)
Kostel sv. Jana Nepomuckého
The Church of St. John of Nepomuk is in Žďár nad Sázavou District, Vysočina region.
Muzeum nové generace Žďár🏛 museum
The Museum of the New Generation in Žďár features interactive exhibits.
barokní most
The Baroque bridge in Žďár nad Sázavou spans a river with stone arches.
PP Louky u Černého lesa
PP Louky u Černého lesa is a protected area in the Czech Republic.
Hraniční kámen Čechy / Morava
The boundary stone between Bohemia and Moravia marks the historical border.
amfiteátr
The amphitheatre in Žďár nad Sázavou is used for open-air events.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is the church shaped like a star?
Who was the architect of the church?
Do I need to book a guided tour?
Where is Zelená hora located?
Is the site a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Zelená Hora Pilgrimage Church: where is it located?
Zelená Hora Pilgrimage Church: what is there to see?
Zelená Hora Pilgrimage Church: when is the best time to visit?
Nearby cities
