Výšina sv. Metoděje Chapel

Výšina sv. Metoděje, by 2013 called the Sada or Metropolitan Heights, represents one of the most important archaeological sites in Great Moravia. It is located in the Spitálka line in the local part of Sady in Uherské Hradiště, on the northwest edge of the island, historically surrounded by the Olšavou River, which is mentioned for the first time in written sources from 1078.

Older find reports of the site date back to 1849, when a fine stone wall with a grave and clay vessel was recorded. In 1912, a skull was found here. After World War II, remains of the Great Moravian estate were discovered. In 1950, the findings were archaeologically verified by Jindr Nequasil. Only in 1959, however, the Czech archaeologist Vilém Hrubý started systematic field research, which continued until 1963 and brought decisive findings.

Research revealed the remains of an unfortified court of a church-power character. The core of the complex was a church with a cross plan and a burnt roof cover of an ancient character. It was connected to the west side of the building with a semi-circular apside, a square room on the north side and a funeral chapel with a semi-circular apside. The complex consisted of the fourth building and approximately seven meters west of it a circular Baptisterium. The buildings were built in three construction phases. In the north were the remains of fifteen cabins as the remains of the large Moravian estate, but south were the remains of the wooden hall building. Eighty-seven graves were dug.

Among the most important findings is the notable grave number 12 / 59, the bottom of which was paved with large flat sandstone stones and wood-lined walls. He buried an important great Moravian power stored in an iron-forged coffin. According to the nature of the grave, it may be King Svatopluk himself († 894). Two silver, heavily gilded buttons decorated with filigree were found in the grave. The tombstone originally consisted of a walled building with painted figural motifs.

The location is famous for its connection to the critianization of Moravia. Here was discovered a lead cross with Greek liturgical inscription and an orant image, which proves the presence of priests of Greek origin. Numerous find of scribes (styles) for wax fishing suggests the existence of a school at church. These IDs are the reason why the location is connected to the seer and Moravian Bishop Metoděj, which is believed to have been buried here in 885.

Since 1963, the complex has been protected as a cultural monument, since 1969 as a national cultural monument. The location is freely accessible, equipped with an information board and occasionally there are religious services and cultural events.