Velešovice lies in the valley of the Rakovec stream, on its left bank. The landscape, sacred buildings and history of the battlefield near Slavkov shape different aspects of the village. If you are considering a stay, it helps to choose your focus first: wetland and pond, village architecture or regional history. This will help you decide whether Velešovice matches your travel interests before choosing an apartment.
Landscape and Natural Environment
The Vrchní rybník biocentre covers 12 hectares and includes a pond, a wetland and open ditches for supplying water. So it comprises more than just a body of water: the wetland and open ditches are part of it too. Since the biocentre was established, new animal and plant species have gradually returned to the area. At 301 metres, Stará hora is the highest point in the cadastral area. While the Rakovec marks the valley, Stará hora adds the highest point to the topographical picture.
Church and Chapel
The Church of St Barbara is a High Baroque building dating from 1731–1732 and a prominent landmark of Velešovice’s religious precinct. It is registered as an immovable cultural monument. The date places the building in a specific period; its heritage status adds another dimension to this architectural perspective.
The village-square Chapel of St John of Nepomuk was built by the village’s residents in 1867 on the site of an earlier small chapel. The chapel complex includes an originally Neoclassical chapel and a Neoclassical statue of St John of Nepomuk. The dates refer to different elements: 1803 for the statue and 1867 for the construction of the village-square chapel. Since 1993, a Mass has been celebrated there every year on 16 May, the feast day of St John of Nepomuk. If you would like to include this date in your travel plans, check local arrangements in advance.
Historical Connections and the Kříž SMÍŘENÍ
Velešovice is close to the protected heritage zone of the Slavkov battlefield, designated in 1992. It comprises 17 municipalities, so the historical context extends beyond the individual village.
The Kříž SMÍŘENÍ is a 6.5-metre-high oak cross southeast of Velešovice, on higher ground. Three routes to the cross are described: from below via the apiary and Velešovice orchard; from above via the model aircraft field above Rousínov; or from the car park above the golf course. As individual routes may change, check the current route before setting out.
Routes and Getting Around
The Krajem bitvy tří národů cycling route passes through Velešovice and is 58.65 kilometres long. The Naučná stezka bitvy u Slavkova educational trail also passes through the village; it is 34.7 kilometres long. The two routes represent different formats: a cycling route and an educational trail. Their lengths help indicate their scale. Check local trail conditions and signage before planning your trip.
Velešovice is connected to the IDS JMK public transport network and has six bus stops. If you are planning to travel by bus, check the timetable for your travel dates against your daily plans.
Discover more destinations: Hostěrádky-Rešov, Rostěnice-Zvonovice, Bošovice, Šaratice, Holubice, Rybníček, Račice-Pístovice, Nížkovice
For the wider travel overview: Vyškov District.
