Olšany u Prostějova: Church, Museums and EV9 Cycle Route

Olšany u Prostějova can be viewed as a destination for a stay primarily through its cultural sites and cycle route No. 5. The Church of St John the Baptist links an early historical mention with a later church building; there is also a private fire brigade museum and a municipal museum. For cyclists, the Greenway EV9 runs through the area and connects it with the surrounding region.

Church and Historical Traces

The first documented mention of the Church of St John the Baptist dates from 1373. The present-day building was constructed much later: it was completed in 1735 and consecrated on 12 October 1741 by Bishop Jakub Arnošt z Liechtenštejna. The date 1373 refers to the early mention of the church, while 1735 and 1741 relate to the present-day church building and its consecration. This makes it possible to place the church’s early history and the construction history of the present-day building in their respective time periods.

The church has a circular ground plan and a Baroque appearance. These are two different features: the first describes the layout of the building, while the second describes its exterior. If you are interested in ecclesiastical architecture, you can consider both aspects separately in this building, focusing on both its form and its design.

The sculpture group “cross with statues of St Cyril and Methodius” offers a different emphasis. It commemorates the 1,000th anniversary of the arrival of Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia. This adds a named commemorative theme to the history of the church building. The church and the sculpture group therefore offer different ways to explore local history: architecture and construction phases on the one hand, and remembrance of a historical event on the other.

Museums: Fire Brigade and Village Life

The private fire brigade museum opened to the public in 1995. It displays historical uniforms, tools and equipment; among the exhibits is a combined horse-drawn fire engine from 1924. Individual exhibits may change. The museum can be visited at any time, including in winter; arranging your visit in advance is recommended. If you plan a visit, bear in mind the recommendation to make arrangements beforehand.

The municipal museum opened in 2003 and is located in the municipal office building. A collection described in 2015 includes items documenting village life, including agricultural tools, clothing and household furnishings. The collection may continue to develop. Its theme differs from that of the fire brigade museum: the municipal museum focuses on everyday life and agriculture, while the fire brigade museum focuses on historical uniforms and equipment. This comparison can help you decide which of the two museum themes is more suited to your interests.

Cycling in the Surrounding Region

Cycle route No. 5, Greenway EV9, runs through the area and connects it with the surrounding region. Unlike the church and museums, it points to a connection extending beyond Olšany u Prostějova. If you are considering the route for your plans, check the current signage and surface conditions before setting off. This lets you compare the route information with the conditions on the ground. Your choice of where to stay can therefore reflect different interests: cultural history in Olšany u Prostějova and a cycling connection to the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Buková, Ochoz, Malé Hradisko, Jesenec, Mořice, Stražisko, Krumsín, Klenovice Na Hané

Return to the main travel overview: Okres Prostějov.