Around the Church of Saint James the Greater, centuries of architectural history meet a landscape shaped by the vast Haná Plain. Religious and agricultural traditions also have their place throughout the year. This makes it possible to plan a stay combining cultural history, village life and views of the surrounding area.
Landscape between the floodplain and Haná
Břest lies on the edge of a vast floodplain shaped by the rivers Morava, Malá Bečva and Moštěnka. The village is also situated in the Haná lowlands, an important agricultural region with fertile soils, folk costumes and traditional customs. The predominantly flat, agricultural surroundings offer views of the Hostýnské vrchy hills and Svatý Hostýn. To the south, the view reaches the Chřiby Protected Landscape Area and the Brdo observation tower.
A distinctive natural monument is the group of trees known as “Lípy kolem kostela v Břestu” (Lime Trees around the Church in Břest): 16 small-leaved lime trees grow around the church. Their name also anchors the trees to a specific place in the village. Those interested in Haná will encounter not only a landscape name here, but also a region whose agricultural character and folk-costume customs recur in local traditions.
Church and historical landmarks
Břest is a historic Slavic settlement, first mentioned in 1131 in a document issued by Jindřich Zdík, Bishop of Olomouc. The architectural history of the Church of Saint James the Greater also goes back a long way: after a fire in 1679, it was restored in 1708 and a tower was added. Chapels were added in 1780. In 1879, the tower was raised and fitted with a clock. These mark different stages of development rather than a single period of construction.
In front of the church stands an 18th-century cross, restored in 1998 and listed as a cultural monument. The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk is also listed as a cultural monument; it dates from 1753. The present-day school building was built in 1904 and is designated a cultural monument. The municipal building next to the school is also listed and was reconstructed in 2004. As you explore Břest’s history, you will find landmarks not only at the church but also at other named sites in the village.
Annual traditions
Haná traditions are evident at recurring celebrations. The annual harvest thanksgiving service takes place on the second Sunday in September. Around 25 people in Haná folk costumes bring agricultural offerings to the altar. Since 2007, members of the Haná group from Břest and the surrounding area have regularly taken part in the regional harvest festivals in Kroměříž. They care for, sew and repair their own costumes.
Religious traditions also shape the calendar of celebrations. The Křtinská pilgrimage dates back to 1793 and regularly takes place before the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The Corpus Christi celebration is followed by a procession to individual houses. If you would like to experience one of these traditions, check the dates for your visit, as they take place on specific days of the year.
Sports and practical information
Sportcentrum Břest has two bowling lanes and a large hall with artificial sports flooring. It is located in the village centre and can be reached from the Rajčuda sports complex or the village square via the passage through the library. As operating details may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.
Břest has bus and rail connections; the D1 motorway is nearby. Check the connections that suit your travel date when planning your journey to and from the village. This will help you coordinate visits to the historical landmarks, a possible trip to the sports centre and the dates of local traditions with your stay.
Discover more destinations: Roštění, Troubky-Zdislavice, Nítkovice, Karolín, Rajnochovice, Šelešovice, Pacetluky, Zlobice.
Go to the regional travel overview: Kroměříž District.
