Radhošť Mountain (Radhošť)
Moravskoslezský kraj
Radhošť is a 1,129-metre mountain in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids of the Czech Republic, lying on the border between the Zlín and Moravian-Silesian regions. The ridge runs through the municipalities of Dolní Bečva and Trojanovice, making the summit a natural meeting point between the two areas. Beyond its views and mountain character, Radhošť is strongly tied to spirituality and identity in the region. On the summit stands a chapel built in 1898 alongside a prominent sculpture of Saints Cyril and Methodius, commemorating their evangelization of Slavic peoples. The mountain is a well-known destination for religious pilgrimages, with the summit monuments acting as a focal point for visitors. Radhošť is also associated with older Slavic beliefs: it is referred to as a place connected to the Slavic god Radegast, and the mountain’s name is described as a Czech version of “Radegast.” A trail leads from Radhošť toward Pustevny, and along this route you can encounter a sculpture of the god Radegast. Nature is part of the appeal as well-its northern slopes are protected as a national nature reserve.
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Tipp: If you want to combine culture and hiking, plan a walk along the trail linking Radhošť with Pustevny, which passes a sculpture of the Slavic god Radegast. For a quieter experience, consider visiting outside peak pilgrimage times, while still allowing time at the summit to see the chapel and the Cyril-and-Methodius monument. Because the northern slopes are protected as a national nature reserve, stay on marked paths and follow any on-site conservation rules.
Interessante Fakten
- •Radhošť reaches 1,129 metres (3,704 ft) and belongs to the Moravian-Silesian Beskids mountain range.
- •The summit chapel was built in 1898.
- •The summit sculpture of Saints Cyril and Methodius was created by Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek, who headed the sculpture department at the Art Institute of Chicago at the time.
- •The Cyril-and-Methodius monument includes symbolic elements such as broken idols, a triple cross (also called the Slavic Cross), and a book held by Saint Cyril.
- •A similar Cyril-and-Methodius statue exists at the Cathedral of Saint Paul (National Shrine of the Apostle Paul) in Saint Paul, Minnesota; the Radhošť statue served as a model for it.
- •The northern slopes of Radhošť are protected as a national nature reserve.
- •A trail leads from Radhošť toward Pustevny and passes a sculpture of the god Radegast.
- •The name “Radhošť” is described as a Czech version of the name “Radegast.”
Geschichte
Radhošť is linked in sources to Slavic antiquity as a place associated with the god Radegast and sacred ceremonies held in his honor.
In 1898, a chapel was built on the summit.
A sculpture of Saints Cyril and Methodius was later created for the site by Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek, emphasizing the Christianization of Slavic peoples and symbolically replacing earlier pagan associations.
The Radhošť statue served as a model for a similar Cyril-and-Methodius statue commissioned in 1926 for the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Ortsführer
Summit chapel1898
A chapel built on the summit in 1898, forming the religious heart of Radhošť’s peak and a key stop for pilgrims and hikers alike.
Sculpture of Saints Cyril and Methodius
A three-metre monument honoring the 9th-century missionaries Cyril and Methodius and their evangelization of Slavic peoples. The sculpture uses explicit symbolism-broken idols at the saints’ feet to represent the overthrow of idolatry, a triple cross (also known as the Slavic Cross), and a book held by Saint Cyril, who is credited with creating the Cyrillic script (Early Cyrillic alphabet).
Trail toward Pustevny and the Radegast sculpture
A marked route connecting Radhošť with Pustevny, notable for linking the mountain’s Christian pilgrimage focus with its older Slavic associations via a sculpture of the god Radegast along the way.
Northern slopes (protected area)
The mountain’s northern slopes are designated as a national nature reserve, highlighting the natural value of the Beskids landscape around Radhošť.