Svatý Jan pod Skalou

In the valley of the Loděnice River, where, in addition to ancient forests and sandstone rocks, only a few hiking trails wind, lies something that is guaranteed not to leave you cold – Svatý Jan pod Skalou. It is not so much the village itself as the Benedictine monastery that makes this place so interesting. It has stood here for almost 1,000 years and the views from it are among the most beautiful in the entire Bohemian Karst, if not in all of Bohemia.

The origins of Svatý Jan pod Skalou date back to the 9th century, when the first Czech hermit Ivan settled in one of the local caves. He reportedly stayed in that cave for 42 long years and there are many legends associated with his stay here. Whether it’s the one about the wounded doe and the meeting with Bořivoj or the one when Saint John the Baptist appeared to Ivan. It is questionable to what extent these stories are true, but the fact is that Prince Bořivoj had a chapel built in Ivan’s honour on the site of the current monastery.

• Tip for you: There is no need to discuss the historical uniqueness of Svatý Jan pod Skalou. However, the main reasons why this place is so praised are a little different. You will get the answer when you climb the nature trail to the Svatojánská skalní stěna (Saint John Rock Wall) and see the famous scenery.   

During the 15th and 16th centuries, monks began to move to the area in large numbers, and in 1584 they managed to find Ivan’s remains. The legend saw a revival and the place became a popular pilgrimage destination. Perhaps thanks to this, the local abbots hired the famous architect Carlo Lurago to build the church of St. John the Baptist among the rocks in 1661. The village itself even partly took its name. To this day, the church has undergone a number of reconstructions, but it still remains the dominant feature of the rocky valley.

• Tip for you: Although it may seem so at first glance, Svatý Jan pod Skalou is not just about the Benedictine monastery with its church. Head to the local cemetery behind the chapel of St. Maxmilian. It is considered one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic buildings in our country and often serves as a backdrop for filmmakers when filming historical series and fairy tales.

What’s next?

Take a walk to Beroun or Karlštejn Castle. In both cases, the Vojta Náprstek Trail will lead you to your destination, which Svatý Jan pod Skalou intersects exactly halfway. An ideal choice for a slightly shorter trip is the nearby Solvayovy Lomy open-air museum. Drive by car to another pilgrimage site, Tetín, or explore the Koněpruské jeskyně caves.