The Church in the Woods near Bladov: A Pilgrimage Site Where Local Breweries' Beer Takes Center Stage

Not far from the village of Bladov in northern Moravia, in a wooded saddle between the hills of the Hanušovice Highlands, stands the pilgrimage Church of Corpus Christi — known locally simply as Kostelíček. It can only be reached on foot or by bicycle — there is no road for cars, and vehicle access is allowed only with a special permit.

The site is known not only for its religious significance but also for the informal beer gatherings organized by the Society of Friends of the Pilgrimage Site, which also looks after the grounds and maintains the church.

Two Big Festivals a Year

The main pilgrimage to the church takes place on the Feast of Corpus Christi, usually falling in early June. The second is in September, in honor of St. Rosalia, the patroness of Bladov. It's ahead of this September festival that the society organizes a beer meetup, featuring mostly small regional breweries.

Regular participants include the Zlosyň brewery from Velké Losiny, the popular Jádrníček, and the almost-local Kobza (beer under the Blud label). Occasionally the brewery from Polička joins in as well — likely the only larger producer among the participants.

Not Just Beer

Besides drinks, guests can look forward to sausages, goulash, pork cracklings and other snacks, along with soft drinks, sweets and coffee for minors and non-drinkers. There's also a cultural side to the event: musical groups perform right inside the church. At the September 5 gathering, for instance, the band TyNoty from Hněvotín took the stage.

Kostelíček can also be visited on ordinary days, outside of the beer meetups — though in that case, you'll need to bring your own drinks. Event organizers and stallholders sometimes spend the night camping by the church, but this is more the exception than the rule.

Read also: The Best Beer Halls, Pubs and Breweries in Prague: 15 Places for Real Czech Beer

Around Prague, based on reporting by turistika.cz