Holy Mountain

365 steps to heaven

Holy Mountain (Svatá Hora) is the most important Marian pilgrimage site in Bohemia. The early Baroque complex, with the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, its cloisters and rich decoration, has towered over Příbram for more than three centuries. However, even today it offers answers to some of life's questions.

A place shrouded in legends

In the 15^th century, there stood just a small chapel on the site of what was to become today's extensive grounds. Then, probably at the beginning of the 17^th century, a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary with the Infant Jesus was moved here. Today, this precious statue is given centre stage on the silver altar in the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady. According to legend, it was carved by Archbishop Arnošt of Pardubice himself. From that day on, worshipers began to gather in their masses to pray to the statue at Holy Mountain.

The Holy Mountain Chapel was also visited by the blind Jan Procházka. According to legend it was here that his sight was miraculously restored. In 1647, Holy Mountain was entrusted to the Jesuits, who had an elaborate Baroque complex built here using the plans of the Italian architect Carlo Lurago. Since 1861, Holy Mountain has been looked after by the Redemptorists.

A treasure trove of Baroque art

On a raised terrace sits the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, where most of the services are held. This building dominates the Holy Mountain complex. The basilica is surrounded by cloisters in a rectangular design with four octagonal enclosed chapels in the corners. On the northeast side stands the living area for the Redemptorists - the clergy and administrators of Holy Mountain.

The grounds of Holy Mountain also include several monuments in the immediate surroundings. In front of the main entrance there is a square with a Marian column carved out of stone. On the nearby hillside you can stop by the Calvary sculpture or the Holy Mountain Oak, which, according to legend, was planted when Charles IV reigned. On the south side of the Holy Mountain complex lies Toufar's Meadow, a park with the Stations of the Cross and a Marian Well.

A covered staircase leads from the centre of Příbram to Holy Mountain. There should be a total of 365 steps up to the Coronation Altar, one for each day of the year.

An opportunity to pray and rest

If you want to learn more about the history of Holy Mountain, you can take a guided tour of the grounds. Other tours offer the less well-known corners of the complex: the clock tower, the cellars under the priory, the upper corridor of the residence or the Holy Mountain bell tower with its eight bells, five of which ring out during the popular chime.

You can also visit the Holy Mountain Pilgrimage Museum. Its permanent exhibition presents the history of the pilgrimage site and that of the Jesuit Order, as well as the unique archaeological findings discovered during the reconstruction in 2015.