Křižanov – Churches, Landscapes and Zdislava

Křižanov combines a multifaceted sacred history with a landscape of forests, fields, meadows and field margins. The town lies in the Českomoravská vrchovina region; the Libochůvka stream flows through Křižanov. This makes it a destination where historical discoveries, rural impressions and special events come together.

Churches and Places of Remembrance with Their Own History

The Church of St. Wenceslas reaches far back into the history of the town. Its first written mention dates from 1239. The present-day presbytery dates back to the Gothic reconstruction of the 14th century. A Romanesque church probably already stood on the site of the present church in the 11th century. Those interested in historical building phases will therefore find not just a single architectural detail here, but a development spanning several centuries.

The Chapel of St. Barbara also has an early medieval core. It is located at the corner of Zámek and Bezručova streets. Křižanov’s tourist attractions also include the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk on Masaryk Square and the Marian Column on Benešovo Square. These places provide several cultural stops during your stay, without requiring you to limit yourself to a single attraction.

Zdislava, the Monument and the Pilgrimage

Křižanov has a special connection to Saint Zdislava: she was born in Křižanov around 1220 as the first child of Přibyslav and Sybila. In the historic centre stands a modern sacred element visible as a monument to Saint Zdislava and a reference to her designated birthplace. The central element is a bronze sculpture of Saint Zdislava by Otmar Oliva. The monument also includes a round fountain and a ring of twelve granite columns.

If you would like to learn about the religious and social character of the town, the Zdislavská pouť is a notable date: it takes place annually in Křižanov at the end of May. In the surrounding area, on Svatá hora, there is also a picturesque open-air pilgrimage chapel. Today it is visited not only by believers, but also by tourists seeking peace away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

Rural Character and Special Experiences

The area of Křižanov contains numerous woodland areas as well as fields, meadows and field margins. These varied landscape elements shape the character of the town and make it interesting for travellers who want to combine cultural sightseeing with impressions of the Českomoravská vrchovina.

An unusual addition is the airfield of the Křižanov Aeroclub. Sightseeing flights are operated there; national-level air sport competitions also take place there. Another cultural facet is the Středověký podvečer, one of the best-known cultural and social events in Křižanov. Five roads lead into Křižanov and emphasise the town’s clear location, although no specific travel times should be inferred from this.

More Places for Your Search

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Křižanov, here is a concise selection: Ubušínek, Nový Jimramov, Kuklik, Lisna, Věstín, Vecov, Sklené Nad Oslavou and Dalečín.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Žďár Nad Sázavou.