Chudčice: Stations of the Cross, Chapels and Hilly Landscape

Chudčice can be explored through two distinctive themes: the hilly landscape on the edge of the Podkomorské lesy Nature Park and the town’s religious architectural and heritage history. If you are looking for a hotel, this profile of the town is a useful reference when landscape and cultural heritage are factors in choosing your destination. It focuses on the terrain, the Stations of the Cross and the chapels, complemented by a named viewpoint and a cycling route through Chudčice.

Landscape on the Edge of the Nature Park

Chudčice lies on the edge of the Podkomorské lesy Nature Park. The landscape of the Chudčická pahorkatina is characterized by a succession of basin-like valleys, broad flat ridges and isolated hills. These hills are mostly made of conglomerate and are called “horky.” The local term therefore refers to isolated elevations, not the entire hilly landscape; valleys and flat ridges are other distinct landforms. The Kuřimka stream runs along the eastern boundary of the cadastral area of Chudčice. Thus, in addition to the nature park on the edge of the town, the relief of the hilly landscape and the watercourse along the eastern boundary of the area are separate geographic reference points.

Stations of the Cross, Calvary and Chapels

The Stations of the Cross above Chudčice consist of fourteen masonry stations in the Classicist style. The chapels along the Stations of the Cross were built to a design by architect Eduard Svoboda, who was born in Chudčice. His birthplace gives the design a local connection to the town’s architectural history. The Calvary of Chudčice has been a protected monument since 1958. The Chapel of the Finding of the Holy Cross is considered an important local monument; the modern chapel of this name was built in 1996 next to the Vrzalovy horky grove.

The pilgrimage site of Tři kříže has its own history: it was established on the site of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, demolished in 1784. Three stone crosses were erected in its place. The town’s history thus includes both the named pilgrimage site and the construction history of the chapel and the stone crosses.

Viewpoint, Cycling Route and Historical Traces

The Okno viewpoint is part of the Na Kamínkách orchard. From there, you can see Veveří Castle, as well as Chudčice and Veverská Bítýška. While the description of the Chudčická pahorkatina characterizes the landscape through its landforms, the viewpoint identifies three specific sights.

In the route alignment described in May 2023, cycling route 5231, “Po stopách zaniklých železnic,” runs through Chudčice between Moravské Knínice and Veverská Bítýška. This alignment may be superseded by a newer cycling route. If you plan to include the route in your itinerary, check the current alignment in advance.

A visitor description updated on 29 November 2016 mentions visible remains of the former railway line from Kuřim to Veverská Bítýška in Chudčice. Their visibility may change; as a historical trace, they complement the history of the discontinued railway connection.

Discover more destinations: Hluboké Dvory, Zhoř, Zbraslav, Řikonín, Újezd U Brna, Žďárec, Predklasteri, Moravské Knínice

For the broader travel overview: Brno-Venkov District.