Discover Martinice: A Reconciliation Cross, Bell Tower and Memorial Sites

Martinice can be explored through its memorial sites and a number of clearly identifiable features. These include a stone reconciliation cross, a war memorial, a plaque commemorating Jan Bezděk and the old bell tower. A cycle path to Holešov, the sports complex and the Mojena stream complete the picture of the town. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping these themes distinct: they represent different aspects of Martinice, rather than a single attraction.

Reconciliation Cross and Historic Memorial Sites

The old stone reconciliation cross, “Smírčí kříž”, stands on the outskirts of Martinice, beside the road in the locality of “U dvou křížů”. The outline of a sword is clearly visible on its stone surface. The cross dates from the first half of the 17th century and has been protected as a cultural monument since 3 May 1958. Its material, motif and protection date offer different clues to its classification: stone is the monument’s material, the sword is its visible motif, and 3 May 1958 marks the start of its protected status.

The memorial to the victims of the First World War stands in the built-up area of Martinice, near the primary school building and road II/490. It is a granite obelisk on a stepped pedestal with a relief, commemorating twelve young men from Martinice who did not return from the First World War. Another memorial plaque is located on the building of Primary School No. 70, also in the built-up area near road II/490. It commemorates Jan Bezděk, who was born in Martinice and was executed in Frankfurt am Main on 18 March 1944 for his resistance activities. The two memorial sites have different focuses: the monument commemorates twelve men, while the plaque commemorates a named individual and a specific date.

Bell Tower and Floriánské hody

The old bell tower is a landmark on the village square and is dedicated to Saint Florian, the patron saint of the municipality. Its dedication and its status as a landmark highlight two aspects of this local feature: its religious association and its role on the village square. Floriánské hody is held regularly in Martinice in May. Exact dates and the programme may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year.

Cycle Path, Sports Complex and Mojena Stream

A newly built cycle path leads from Martinice to Holešov and the Holešov industrial zone. For cyclists, this is a direct connection that can be considered separately from the historic sites. Check local conditions before setting out. The sports complex in Martinice includes a football pitch, a multi-purpose area, a tennis court, a gymnasium and changing rooms. If you would like to use any of these facilities, check in advance whether they are open to the public.

The Mojena stream is also a feature to help you find your way around the town: it flows through Martinice and complements the memorial sites and bell tower with a natural landmark. This means different themes can be considered side by side when planning your trip: history, reflected in the monument and memorial plaque; the cycle path to Holešov; the sports facilities listed above; and the stream flowing through the town.

Discover more destinations: Bořenovice, Roštín, Brusne, Roštění, Kyselovice, Střížovice, Litenčice, Kostelany

For the wider travel overview: Okres Kroměříž.