Two local histories, gently rolling hills, and the “Štátule” lookout tower shape Vranovice-Kelčice. The municipality brings together the districts of Vranovice and Kelčice, whose written records begin well before their merger. The area also features characteristic linear village layouts, the Kelčický potok, and the Blátka Nature Reserve. Here, cultural history and landscape can be understood through specific local and natural features.
Two Local Histories, Later United
The first written mention of Vranovice dates from 1337. From the 16th century until 1848, the village belonged to Prostějov. Kelčice is reliably documented in writing from 1258 and remained in the ownership of the Olomouc Chapter until 1848. Kelčice is therefore recorded in writing earlier; the stated ownership arrangements for both villages ended in the same year. In 1964, Vranovice and Kelčice were merged into a municipality officially named Vranovice–Kelčice. The present-day municipal name thus preserves the connection between two districts with their own historical records.
Village Character and Church History
Vranovice and Kelčice retain clearly recognizable linear village layouts with characteristic two-storey farmhouses. Another historical landmark is the “Kostel sv. Kunhuty” church: a Romanesque cultural monument and one of the oldest churches in the Prostějov region. The parish associated with it has been mentioned since 1399. The farmhouses and church history thus represent different aspects of the municipality’s architectural and historical character.
Hilly Landscape and the Blátka Nature Reserve
Vranovice-Kelčice lies in the Prostějov Hills on the southwestern edge of the Upper Moravian Depression. The terrain is gently rolling and low-hilly: broad, rounded ridges are crossed by the valleys of the Kelčický potok. The stream runs through the settlement along its entire length, from west to east. Ridges and valleys alike shape the landscape here.
The western part of the cadastral area extends into the Blátka Nature Reserve. The reserve covers about 84 hectares and was established in 1985. Meadows, wetlands, and woodland are among the landscape features around the Kelčický potok; Blátka is also home to protected plants. The stream, wetlands, and woodland give the reserve a variety of natural features.
Předina and the Štátule Lookout Tower
Předina lies within the territory of Kelčice, above Dobrochov. It rises to 313 metres and is considered the geographical centre of Moravia locally. Předina is home to a radio transmitter and the “Štátule” lookout tower. In the past, the ridge was also a destination for outings and gatherings.
The lookout is a ten-metre-high wooden tower with a viewing platform eight metres above the ground. In suitable visibility, the view reaches the Jeseníky, the Hostýnské vrchy, Záhoří, the Drahanská vrchovina, and the Chřiby; vegetation can affect long-distance visibility. Check the structure’s condition before visiting.
Cycle Route and Road Connections
Cycle Route No. 5041 passes through Vranovice-Kelčice on the Určice–Dětkovice–Vranovice–Kelčice–Dobrochov–Brodek u Prostějova route. If you plan to ride this route, check the current signposting before setting off.
The D46 expressway runs between the districts of Vranovice and Kelčice and connects the municipality via the grade-separated, figure-eight-shaped Vranovice-Kelčice junction. Check the current road designation and junction details for your journey. The D46 describes the road connection between the districts; Cycle Route 5041 is a separate route that passes through the municipality.
Discover more destinations: Skalka U Prostějova, Hrochov, Srbce, Vícov, Niva, Klopotovice, Rozstání, Přemyslovice.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Prostějov.
