The Baroque statue of Our Lady of Sorrows by J. Pacák, dating from 1725, stands in the square in front of the church. Bystré U Poličky can be explored through several distinct themes: sacred architectural history, craftsmanship, and a hiking trail connected with the landscape and chapels. You can therefore shape your stay around what interests you: individual buildings and their history, or a combination of trails, nature and smaller sacred buildings.

Sacred architecture and interior furnishings

The church of St John the Baptist and Our Lady of Mount Carmel took on its present form in 1726. It is considered the oldest pilgrimage church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Czech Republic. Inside, the altar and all the sculptures are made of wood, yet appear to be made of stone. For those interested in architecture, this is a striking contrast between material and appearance. The town directory for 2025 lists guided tours of the Bysterské minimuzeum “Brtounova chalupa” and the church by arrangement; check in advance what options are currently available.

Building history across different periods

Other buildings in Bystré also mark distinct periods. Bysterský zámek in Bystré was built between 1586 and 1590. The Baroque town hall was built between 1716 and 1719. The statue in the square in front of the church dates from 1725, and the church took on its present form in 1726. The comparison makes the gap clear: the castle dates from the late 16th century, while the town hall, statue and church, based on the dates given, cluster in the early 18th century. This gives you a sense of the chronology and allows you to view the buildings as distinct historical examples.

The Velký městský okruh route towards Panský les

The Velký městský okruh begins at the church of St John the Baptist and follows a hiking trail towards Panský les. It leads into nature and links significant landscape features, chapels and smaller sacred buildings. Its particular appeal lies in combining outdoor activity with religious architecture, rather than focusing solely on a single destination. If you are weighing up individual buildings against a route connected with the landscape and chapels for your stay, the Okruh offers a clear thematic alternative. The church is both a historical landmark and the starting point of the trail.

Craftsmanship at Brtounova chalupa

The Bysterské minimuzeum “Brtounova chalupa” is located at house No. 137, which dates from 1723. At the shoemaking mini-museum in the so-called Brtounova chalupa, visitors can learn about a shoemaker’s work from the ground up. The house has its own historical date, while the museum’s theme focuses on craftsmanship rather than architecture or pilgrimage. For travellers specifically seeking a craft-related experience, shoemaking is a clear alternative to the church and trail’s sacred focus.

Discover more destinations: Útěchov, Janůvky, Bohuňov, Pustá Rybná, Široký Důl, Leitomischl, Strakov, Nedvezi.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Svitavy.