Fort XVII and Fort XX lend a stay in Křelov-Břuchotín two distinct historical accents. One is a polygonal permanent fort from the mid-19th century; the other is part of the history of the fortifications around Olomouc. Cycling routes and religious buildings also offer outdoor activity and architecture as further themes to explore.
Fortress history from two perspectives
Fort XVII Křelov was built between 1851 and 1854. Its polygonal layout is one of the features of the fort, which was designed as a permanent fortification. It is listed as an immovable cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Its construction period and protected status make it a clear point of interest for anyone interested in the region’s military history.
The Museum of the Olomouc Fortress Complex is located in Fort Křelov XVII. It offers public tours as well as group tours for groups that have registered in advance. If you are planning a tour, check the visitor arrangements beforehand. This will help you account for the actual arrangements rather than assuming you can visit without checking the tour schedule.
Fort XX is another fort in Křelov. It is one of 22 forts that Emperor Franz Joseph I had built around Olomouc in the mid-19th century. Despite military conflicts and the forces of nature, it has been preserved in almost its original condition. It offers a second way to explore fortress history: both the wider fortification system and the condition of the structure come into focus here.
Cycling routes and open space near Fort XX
Fort XX lies on regional cycling route 51A and a few hundred metres from long-distance cycling route 4, the Moravian Route. It runs from the Jeseníky Mountains to the borders with Slovakia and Austria. As conditions on cycling routes can change, check the current route before setting out.
The grounds of Fort XX include an adjoining public meadow with a stone circular fire pit and recreational areas. Towards Křelov is another meadow, covering 2.5 hectares, with an orchard dedicated to restoring traditional fruit varieties. The areas around the fort therefore have different attractions: the cycling routes provide a framework for a ride, while the meadows and orchard shape the landscape around the site.
Church architecture and chapel design
The present-day church in Křelov, dedicated to Saint Giles, was built between 1991 and 1993 to a design by Polish architect Jerzy Pekala. The Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary has a different architectural form: it is a freestanding, non-oriented field chapel with a rectangular plan, a right-angled termination, and a gabled roof between triangular gables. These features describe the chapel’s exterior without making any claims about possible access to its interior.
A historical interpretation is also associated with the chapel: according to the parish chronicle, its site is believed to be where Křelov’s former parish church probably stood. This remains explicitly a possible identification. It adds a historical question to the view of the chapel rather than presenting the former location as an established fact.
Highlights for planning your trip
FortFest is a family festival held during the summer season on the grounds of Fort XVII. Before your trip, check whether any events are scheduled and when. When choosing accommodation, you can first decide whether you want to focus mainly on a tour, a cycling trip, or church architecture. The attractions offer different highlights; no shared visiting route or specific order is implied.
Those interested in fortress construction can consider the histories of Fort XVII and Fort XX side by side without treating the two structures as the same. Those who prefer to focus on individual architectural details will find different building forms and historical associations at the church and chapel. For cyclists, the specifically named routes and the grounds around Fort XX are the relevant points of reference. Coordinate tours and seasonal event dates with your plans in advance.
Discover more destinations: Příkazy, Kocourovec, Bělkovice-Lašťany, Hnojice, Hlubočky, Řídeč, Velký Týnec, Bystročice.
See the broader travel guide: Okres Olomouc.
