Visitors looking to combine nature and local history in Kostelany will find several different highlights. The village lies on the northeastern foothills of the Chřiby Mountains and is surrounded by forests on three sides. From Kostelany, the open landscape to the northeast offers a view of Hostýn. Two monuments add different chapters of local history to these landscape themes.
Forests, Hiking and Horseback Riding
The Chřiby forests in Kostelany offer opportunities for walks and more challenging hikes. The range of options makes it easier to decide how to spend the day: a walk and a more challenging hike are different ways of exploring, even though both take in the forest landscape. When planning, you can first decide whether you would prefer a walk or a more strenuous hike. The view of Hostýn adds a different impression of the landscape to your time in the woods.
Ranč Kostelany also offers horseback rides in the countryside around the ranch, accompanied by an experienced instructor. This adds a supervised activity as another option to your plans. As availability and booking conditions may change, check the offer and its terms in advance.
For children aged three to eight, the offer includes lessons in riding, grooming, saddling and leading horses under an instructor’s guidance. It combines riding lessons with practical activities involving the horse. Programme availability and age requirements may change; confirm both before making plans.
Monuments and Local History
The sandstone reconciliation cross is considered the oldest surviving monument in Kostelany; it probably dates from the first half of the 17th century. It stands in the forest below Kameňák, beside Klimešova studánka and above the Kudlovický potok stream. Its probable date and location among these named landscape features offer a distinct connection to local history.
The T. G. Masaryk Monument stands in a small park in the upper part of Kostelany. It was made and unveiled in 1938; after restoration, it was ceremonially unveiled again on 26 August 1945. Local residents preserved the damaged statue after the Nazis ordered its removal. Its history therefore includes both the dates of its unveilings and its preservation by the local community.
The two monuments have different points of emphasis: for the reconciliation cross, its probable date and forest location are defining features; for the Masaryk Monument, the key elements are its creation, unveiling and preservation. Their locations also differ: one stands in the forest below Kameňák, while the other is in a small park in the upper part of the village. This comparison highlights two different ways of exploring Kostelany’s history.
Kolem Kostelan Trail
The Kolem Kostelan Trail starts at the bus stop in Kostelany. If you plan to take it, check the local signs before setting out, as they may change. Alongside the general opportunities for walks and hikes, this gives you the option of following a named trail with a specific starting point.
Discover more destinations: Chomýž, Zborovice, Počenice-Tetětice, Zahnašovice, Koryčany, Podhradní Lhota, Jarohněvice, Lechotice.
See the broader travel overview: Kroměříž District.
