In Bánov, you can explore local history on a relatively easy hike of about an hour: the Tři kříže circuit passes through the centre and introduces you to the town’s culture and history. There are also routes of considerably varying length and difficulty. Church art, archaeological traces and volcanic landscapes offer further highlights for your trip.

Church art and history along the way

The Tři kříže circuit passes the Baroque parish church of St Martin. It has a late Gothic bell dating from 1498. Also on the route is a valuable Baroque statue of St John of Nepomuk from the second half of the 18th century. A closer look at the church reveals further dates: it was created between 1692 and 1699 through the major Baroque reconstruction of a medieval church. The high altar dates from 1744; the altarpiece of St Martin was painted in 1864 by the academic painter Josef Zelený.

The Tři kříže site also tells a story of change over the centuries. It lies on the remains of an ancient volcano. A castle stood there from the 12th century until it was destroyed in the 15th century; three crosses have stood on the site since the 17th century. This sequence connects the striking landscape with the town’s older history, without requiring a long hike.

Hiking trails for different levels

For a longer route, “Ke Skalkám” is an option: the route starts in Bánov, is about seven kilometres long and is suitable for hikers and cyclists. The routes around Studený vrch, by contrast, are very physically demanding. Another trail, “Za přírodními krásami okolí,” runs from Bánov past the Ordějov Reservoir to the ridge of Studený vrch. If you return the same way, the total distance is about eleven kilometres. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

The Ordějov Reservoir was originally built for irrigation and recreation, but today it is used mainly for fishing. If you plan to fish there or include the area in your itinerary, check the local rules and access arrangements in advance. This will help you choose between the different routes, whether you are looking for a short circuit through the centre or a longer trail with a specific distance.

Volcanic landscapes and special habitats

The Hrádek natural monument lies 120 metres north of St Martin’s Church in the centre of Bánov. It preserves the largest and most characteristic example of Tertiary volcanic activity in this area. The quarry face exposes volcanic breccia containing fragments of amphibole basaltic andesite. Rare butterfly species, including the swallowtail and the scarce swallowtail, are also found at Hrádek.

Skalky is also geologically remarkable: it is a unique example of young volcanism in the Moravian Flysch Carpathians. Exposed there are sections of contact-metamorphosed porcelainite sediment formed near volcanic intrusions. The protected Skalka natural monument includes a small woodland quarry; its quarry face preserves an interesting geological sequence. At Na Skaličkách, the quarry pond has neither an inlet nor an outlet. It is home to crayfish, newts and rare frog species.

Archaeological traces and Bánov’s architectural heritage

At the Hrádek archaeological site, a Palaeolithic layer was discovered containing a worked stone-tool industry, probably from the Aurignacian. A settlement layer from the Eneolithic is attributed to the Bošácká phase of the culture with incised pottery. By this time at the latest, the Hrádek hillfort had been fortified with massive ditches. This is distinct from Hrad Hill above the church: Bánov Castle stood there, and its original site was damaged by a quarry.

Bánov also preserves several examples of folk architecture, including two farmsteads and a chamber with an upper floor. The Empire-style Komora barn dates from the early 19th century and is an important architectural monument. A tradition still upheld today is Shrovetide, with folk-style masked processions known as Babkovníci. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the dates in advance.

The Bánov Treasure in Staré Město

The Bánov Treasure is the largest prehistoric amber find to date from what is now the Czech Republic and a unique discovery. It is on public display in the permanent exhibition “Pravěk Uherskohradišťska” at the Great Moravia Memorial of the Slovácké Museum in Staré Město. The exhibition has texts in Czech, English, German and Russian, and is adapted for blind and visually impaired visitors. Check current museum access information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Kunovice, Strání, Tupesy, Ostrožská Lhota, Zlechov, Pitín, Veletiny, Kudlovice.

For the broader travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.