Gojau: Pilgrimage Church and Pilgrimage Tradition

If you choose Gojau (Kájov) as your destination, the town’s character is shaped by cultural history and pilgrimage. The late Gothic pilgrimage church, its associated complex and the October pilgrimage, held annually, give your trip a tangible cultural connection. There are also suggestions for a walk and a signposted cycling route, offering different ways to explore the area.

Late Gothic Church and Historic Complex

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary has been a national cultural monument since 1995. Its present late Gothic form was created between 1471 and 1488. The pilgrimage church complex also includes the Chapel of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the rectory and a hospice. The ensemble is considered exceptionally well preserved and brings together buildings from different periods. Thus, the history encompasses not only the late Gothic church but also the other parts of the pilgrimage complex.

The historic transport link is also part of the pilgrimage history: the former road from Český Krumlov to Kájov is a valuable example of a historic Baroque route and is closely connected with the pilgrimage complex. In 1667, fifteen granite columns depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary were erected along the road. The year, granite and images illustrate the religious significance of this former route. A chapel with a well was built below the church, at the end of the pilgrimage road, between 1686 and 1689. The spring that feeds it is described as healing water and is said to flow from the main altar.

The cultural heritage also includes the statue group of Saints Jude Thaddeus, Joseph and Anthony of Padua. It was restored in cooperation with the municipal office.

Pilgrimage and Visits by Appointment

The Kájov pilgrimage is held every year in October as part of the pilgrimage tradition. It takes place on the second Sunday after the second Saturday in October, so the specific date does not fall on the same calendar day every year. If you would like to plan your trip around the pilgrimage, check the date for the relevant year.

The parish museum can be visited by prior arrangement. Pilgrims on the Way of St James can obtain a stamp in Kájov. Overnight stays for pilgrims are also possible by prior arrangement and depend on local availability. If these options are important for planning your stages, confirm the arrangements in advance.

Walk and Cycling Route

The municipality recommends a walk from church to church via Raziberk as an excursion in Kájov. The Iron Age hillfort of Raziberk lies to the left of the route from Kájov towards Boletice. The combination of churches and Raziberk gives the walk a cultural and historical focus.

Cyclists can take the “Znovuobjevené Kájovsko–Boleticko” route. It is signposted and described as an easy, one-day cycling excursion in the form of a 20-kilometre circular route. The route is considered suitable for families, less experienced cyclists and seniors; suitability may depend on conditions. Check these before setting off. The two suggestions therefore offer different activities: a walk from church to church via Raziberk and a signposted day ride of a stated distance.

For a break, the municipality recommends the “Dubovky” benches, where you can sit and enjoy the surrounding nature. This offers a quieter moment outdoors to complement exploring the church and pilgrimage heritage.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Novosedly U Ceskeho Krumlova, Lazec, Staré Dobrkovice, Kienberg, Vyšný, Unterhaid, Borova, Moyne.

Back to the main travel overview: Okres Český Krumlov.