Holiday apartment in Zašová: pilgrimage history and nature

Nature

The Stračka pilgrimage site is located on a slope where a spring rises. This is where the 4.6-kilometre Velký okruh circular walking trail begins. It leads around Stračka, Pohoř and through the surrounding forests. The spring itself is also part of the destination: pilgrims and visitors to Zašová draw water every day from the forest spring in the Stračka pilgrimage grounds. However, the water quality is variable and may deteriorate, especially in high temperatures and rain.

In the nearby area, between Veselá and Hrachovec, there is a spring area at U tří studánek with four springs of varying yields. In the nearby area, the water from these springs flows into a hand-built pool depression where salamanders live. Another nature-oriented option is the educational trail through Veselá, which presents the history and nature of Veselá.

Culture and history

In Veselá, the vicarage retains its Josephine character from 1785 and is protected as a cultural monument. The Church of St Martin has been a distinctive landmark in the landscape since 1821 and is considered one of the last monuments of the Josephine architectural style in Wallachia.

The pilgrimage Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary in Zašová was built at the beginning of the 18th century by the owners of the Valašské Meziříčí–Rožnov estate. The church contains a Gothic panel painting of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child from the mid-15th century on the Baroque high altar. Guided tours in Zašová are available on request for groups and excursions.

The pilgrimage church is open to the public from 1 May to 28 September: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays and public holidays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The sacred heritage also includes the Trinitarian monastery in Zašová, the only surviving monastery of this order in the Czech Republic. The monastery garden is freely accessible year-round. A mobile app offers an adventure game about the history and work of the Trinitarian Order; it is suitable for adults and children aged eight and over.

Events and leisure

Two firmly established events are part of the annual cycle. Zašovská pouť takes place every year on the first Sunday after 2 July, following the Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. Zašovské slavnosti are held every year on the first Saturday in September.

A pump track for cycling was built in the Skály grounds in 2024 and is publicly accessible around the clock. Relaxační centrum Salza offers a salt cave, massages, body and ear candling, biopedicure, an infrared sauna, a biolamp and other wellness services. For winter sports, Skiareál Veselá has ski slopes with artificial snow that are groomed and lit every day.

If you would like to explore other destinations from the same selection: Francova Lhota, Bystřička, Valasska Bystrice, Novy Hrozenkov, Valašská Senice, Valašská Polanka, Lidečko, Ratiboř U Vsetína.

To the higher-level travel overview: Vsetín District.