What’s Your Pick for an Exciting Easter Getaway?

Step into enchanting locations steeped in ancient tales that prompt you to pause, reflect, and cherish memories. However, to truly understand the history of these places, you often need to explore their past thoroughly—this is particularly true for the well-known and likely oldest site associated with the crosses, the Nine Crosses found near Exit 168 on the D1 motorway.

When Wedding Bells Toll for a Dying Man

The Nine Crosses are easily accessible, situated beside a forest just off the main road. The tale revolves around a girl who, despite being in love, was compelled by her parents to marry someone else. There are various versions of the story, but most conclude in a similar way: the spurned lover sought revenge… hired an accomplice and ambushed the wedding celebration. Amid the chaos, the bride tragically lost her life; upon discovering this, the jilted lover shot his accomplice and then took his own life. Hence, the nine crosses serve as memorials for the nine victims; it is said that the bride lies at the center, with two grooms positioned on either side. It is not difficult to infer that beneath the decaying cross is where the murderer rests. This is why the crosses are frequently restored, a practice ongoing since 1540 when this ill-fated incident took place.

However, this is not the only site where love and death intertwine. A wedding procession at the Ohře River also concluded poorly and was eternally frozen in time, visible today in the form of the Svatošské rocks located near Loket.

Four Times Three Crosses

Three crosses is not just a popular song by the band Hop Trop; it also refers to several charming hiking destinations. For instance, travelers in Slane used to ascend the Slanské hory to visit the three crosses erected in 1662 by Bernard Ignác of Martinice. He played a significant role in bringing Piarist and Franciscan orders to the town, had a keen interest in religious structures, and aspired to infuse the surrounding landscape with a sense of spirituality. It is said that next to Jesus were found the figures of wrongdoers who were crucified alongside him.

The Three Crosses in the Slavkov Forest are also notable, located near the village of Sources and at the Chapel or Calvary on the eastern side of Nové Město na Moravě. These crosses were erected in 1832 to give thanks for sparing the town from cholera and plague, with a nature trail named the Three Crosses stemming from the center. In contrast, the lesser-known Calvary in the Rocks can be found north of Wallenstein Castle—a location where you’ll also discover three crosses, notably placed in a spot with beautiful scenic views, as is characteristic of the Bohemian Paradise.

Four Crosses Near Litoměřice

The landscape surrounding the Bohemian Gate near Velké Žernosky features the rocky outcropping of Calvary where three crosses can be seen from afar. First noted in 1587, they are said to honor three girls who fell in love with the same man. Since they pledged eternal friendship and knew that only one could marry him, they chose to end their lives together. Following their tragic demise, the man had three crosses erected at the site where they leapt into the Elbe River.

You can also visit the nearby Radobý hill above Litoměřice, linked to the final days and poetry of Karel Hynek Mácha. From the summit of this hill, you can take in nearly a full circular view of Litoměřice, Terezín, the Píšt’any Lake, Lovosice, and the Bohemian Central Highlands. Here, you will also find a large metal cross; although this cross is relatively new, its wooden predecessor is believed to have been erected here back in the 17th century.

Other Lovely Spots with Crosses

• • Among these sites, there are also three tall, slender wooden crosses, standing on the hillside of Otto’s Heights in the woods to the north of Karlovy Vary’s spa center, placed around 1640 as symbols of the town’s recatholization post the Battle of White Mountain. Visitors can follow a yellow sign from Vřídelní kolonáda to reach them. Interestingly, there were plans during the First Republic to build a luxury hotel here along with a cable car, remnants of which can be seen along Na Vyhlídce Street.

• • A notable pilgrimage site of the Three Crosses can be found in the forests above the Brno dam. One can reach them via the Stations of the Cross from the village of Chudčice, surrounded by a deer and mouflon preserve, remnants of a grand estate that belonged to the royal castle of Veveří. A former Chapel of the Holy Cross was demolished during the reign of Emperor Joseph II, but now three large crosses mark the area, and in the mid-19th century, the fourteen chapels of the Stations of the Cross were constructed by local affluent farmers from Požčice.

• • Visitors heading to Hejnice for the pilgrimage at the church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary cannot overlook the significant rocks on the northern slope of the Jizera Mountains. At the peak of one called Ořešník, a sizeable cross was erected that is visible from afar. Reaching it is easy, as there are carved staircase steps into the rock, complete with railings along both the stairs and the top platform. The breathtaking view includes Velký Štolpich, Hejnice and its pilgrimage basilica, and the impressive Smrk Mountain, Paličník, Smědavská hora, the ridge of the Polední kamenů including the Frýdlant cairn and the Ptačí kupy.

• • Lastly, here’s a little riddle: do you know where to spot the largest cross in the Czech Republic? Most likely, it is in Olomouc at Svatý Kopeček. The pilgrimage basilica alongside the tree-lined path leading to it create, when viewed from above, a large cross shape in the landscape. This idea was initiated 300 years ago by architect and priest Domenico Martinelli, but as time passed, lush vegetation obscured his vision. Recently, thanks to the Alley of the Year 2024 competition, the pilgrimage path has been renovated (it secured the fourth position) and now the cross shines brightly in the landscape just as it did before.

The Nine Crosses

• Location: Near [specific locality if known]

• Founded: 1540 (memorialized thereafter)

• Story:
  In 1540, a bridal party was ambushed en route to the wedding, and nine members—including the bride—were killed. Nine simple stone crosses now stand in the woods to commemorate each life lost.

Three Crosses on Slánská hora

• Location: Slánská hora (near Toužim)

• Founded: 1662 by Bernard Ignatius of Martinice

• Significance:
  Installed as a devotional “Way of the Cross,” these three hilltop crucifixes were meant to spiritually enrich the surrounding countryside. Today they offer both pilgrimage and panoramic views.

The Three Crosses in the Slavkov Forest

• Location: Slavkovský les (Slavkov Forest)

• Designation: National Natural Monument

• Highlight:
  Set high among old spruce and beech, these weathered crosses are a favorite with hikers—offering both a bit of solemn pilgrimage and spectacular vistas across the borderlands.

Calvary in Velké Žernosky

• Location: Velké Žernosky (Central Bohemia)

• Legend:
  According to local lore, three young women—all in love with the same man—chose to end their lives together on this hill. The “Calvary” chapel complex recalls their tragic pact.

Stations of the Cross in Nejdek

• Location: Above the town of Nejdek (Karlovy Vary Region)

• Constructed: 1851–1858

• Features:
  A long, steep pathway punctuated by 14 richly decorated chapels and stations. Perched on a ridge, it’s renowned for both its artistry and the sweeping views down into Nejdek.

The Great Cross of Svatý Kopeček, Olomouc

• Location: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill), just north of Olomouc

• Erected: ca. 1720s (about 300 years ago)

• Notes:
  This monumental cross crowns the pilgrimage hill and was freshly restored in recent years. It’s the focal point of one of Moravia’s most important devotional sites, overlooking the city below.