Křížová cesta Stárkov Way of the cross

Welcome to Stárkov. You have just entered a space that, after more than 200 years, serves as a place of silence, deep contemplation and spiritual journey. You are standing at the beginning of a path that will guide you through a peaceful landscape and guide you through stories that are carved directly into the ground. In front of you is a path that is not just a simple sidewalk, but a symbol of the human search, faith and connection to what is above and beyond. Feel this atmosphere, the calm of the surrounding nature and the silence that rules here. Before you go on your journey, stop for a moment and feel the surroundings. This path will guide you from the local cemetery, the symbol of fleeting, to the goal itself, to the chapel of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, which represents hope and protection.

To understand why this place exists and why it is so special, we must return together to the mid-eighteenth century. Imagine the period around 1750. At that time, large spiritual projects were being formed in our countries to strengthen the people's faith and create places for pilgrims. The main mover of everything you see around you right now was a man named Johannes Schroll. It was not just a population, but an important city councilman who had influence, power and, above all, vision. It was his initiative and personal determination that allowed this project to be born from pure thought into reality. Schroll believed that such a journey would bring spiritual support to the people and serve as a pilgrimage place that would unite the community and individuals in silent prayer. In 1755 the cross road was officially established and its construction was completed, making Stárkov an important point on the map of the then pilgrims.

Now look closer at what's right in front of your eyes. Pay attention to the material that forms the very basis of this work. Every stop on this road is made up of a massive block. Notice what these blocks are carved out of. It's gray sandstone. This stone has a special power and weight in it. It is a material that endures time perfectly, but at the same time it has traces of every rain and sunshine that has come to its surface in the last centuries. If you approach these blocks, you'll see that they're not just simple stone pieces. They're carved with reliefs that tell stories. These embossed decorations are not the work of a random craftsman, but the work of a sculptor named Bartoloměj Heinrich. He came from Litomysl and left his art here permanently. Feel the lines, the faces and the scenes that are carved into the sandstone. Every notch in the stone was the result of patient and precise hand work, trying to capture the highest and most important human and spiritual experience.

It's fascinating to think about the cooperation that had to take place between those two men. On the one hand was Johannes Schroll, a man of politics and administration who had to provide resources, organise work and have faith that this project would make sense for future generations. On the other hand was Bartoloměj Heinrich, an artist who had to take in the hands of tools and in the hard sandstone look for shapes that will talk to people for centuries. This connection between visionary and artist created a work that survived both generations and generations of people. Schroll gave meaning to the road and Schroll gave form to the road. Without their joint efforts, this landscape would not look so rich and spiritual today.

You might wonder how this collection of monuments has kept in such good shape for so long. It's the combination of quality material and the deep meaning people have always felt for this place. It is also proof that it is the real treasure of our culture. It is important to recognise that this cross road is not only a historical remnant but a living witness to the past. This is why it was officially included in the list of cultural monuments in 2000. This is not only a formal notation, but recognition of its historical and artistic value, which now allows us to protect and admire it.

We now invite you to continue your journey. The road awaits you. Take a slow step from the local cemetery to the destination, to the chapel of Fourteen Holy Helpers. Let yourself be carried by the rhythm of your steps and feel every stop. Observe every relief created by Master Heinrich, and try to find peace in his faces carved into the grey sandstone. Take your time, let these paintings in stone enter your mind. Let yourself be inspired by the history that is with you right now. Thank you for choosing to visit this history and devote your time to exploring it. We wish you a peaceful, beautiful and inspiring journey.