Mining Museum Příbram
An extensive mining museum in Březové Hory whose tour routes take you into the history of mining work, in places even underground.
Svatá Hora stands on a hill above Příbram, about 5 km from Orlov as the crow flies. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Czech Republic, and you will recognise it from a distance by its white cloisters with chapels and towers. A walk around the complex suits anyone who enjoys Baroque architecture, and it is easy with children too.
What you will see
At the centre stands the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary with the Gothic wooden statuette of Our Lady of Svatá Hora, which is what draws pilgrims here. The church is surrounded by cloisters measuring roughly 80 by 72 metres, with an octagonal chapel in each of the four corners. The covered Svatá Hora Stairs from the 17th century lead up from the town, and pilgrims once climbed them on their knees.
A bit of history
According to tradition, the statuette was carved by Arnošt of Pardubice, the first Archbishop of Prague. The Jesuits took over the pilgrimage site in 1647, and from 1658 the present Baroque complex was built to a design by Carlo Lurago. The statuette was ceremonially crowned in 1732. The Redemptorists have been here since 1861, with a break from 1950 to 1990. In 1905 Pope Pius X raised the church to the rank of minor basilica.
Good to know
Svatá Hora is an active place of pilgrimage where services are held, so please be considerate of worshippers in the church. Current opening hours and tour options are listed on the site's website.
