Mountain of the Cross (Křížový vrch)

The Mountain of the Cross rises above the historical centre of Český Krumlov. The eight-nave chapel of Our Lady Dolorous and the Holy Cross was built on top in 1710. There are two entrances to the chapel, one leads through the main northern portal decorated with a voluta shield and the side western portal leads through a double-shoulder staircase. The tent-like roof is topped with a double cross.

The Mountain of the Cross rises above the historical centre of Český Krumlov. The eight-nave chapel of Our Lady Dolorous and the Holy Cross was built on top in 1710. There are two entrances to the chapel, one leads through the main northern portal decorated with a voluta shield and the side western portal leads through a double-shoulder staircase. The tent-like roof is topped with a double cross.

Hills and mountains were believed to be mythical places during the Baroque era. It was said that worshiping them prevented natural and other disasters. Jesuit preacher Michal Koppe erected a so-called Spanish wooden cross on top of the Mountain of the Cross in 1658. According to legends, the wooden cross contained a fragment of the Holy Cross. The structure was said to fend off bad weather and natural disasters. It was quite common to built crosses like this (called „Wetterkreuz“) in Central Europe. There are many myths and legends regarding the construction of the chapel.

We know that the chapel had to endure some rough reconstructions and vandalism in the course of time. However, the building was carefully reconstructed in the 1990s with regard to the original Baroque plans and was consecrated in 1991.

The Parish of Český Krumlov currently takes care of the chapel. The annual pilgrimage celebration of St. Cross Rising is held there on September 14th.