Radhošť (mountain)

There is no peak in the Beskydy Mountains that is so shrouded in mystery, myths and superstitions as Radhošt'. Apparently, the ancient Celts maintained their sacrificial site here and it seems that Radhošt' served them as a primitive observatory, thanks to which they observed the path of the sun and thus recognized the arrival of spring and the onset of autumn.

The ancient Slavs worshipped Radegast here – the pagan god of war, victory, but also abundance and hospitality. The Slavic tribes welcomed the arrival of the spring solstice with lit candles at the top of the mountain. The pagan customs were prevented only by the saints Cyril and Methodius, who erected a cross on the site of the sacrifice.

Legends say that the entire ridge of Radhošt’ up to Pustevny is riddled with underground passages and caves and that people were still walking along it in the eighteenth century. One of the caves is said to contain an underground temple where pagan ceremonies were held in Christian times.

What is certain is that today the chapel of Cyril and Methodius from the end of the nineteenth century stands on top of Radhošt’. Pilgrims arriving at the chapel are greeted by a sculpture of the two saints. The views from Radhošt’ are impressive. You can see the peaks of the Beskydy Mountains, Hostýnské vrchy, but also the Jeseníky Mountains, the High Tatras and even the Alpine peak Schneeberg.

Most hikers and pilgrims come to the top of Radhošt’ from Pustevny and therefore pass the statue of the god Radegast on the way. There is also a beautiful route to Radhošt’ from the mountain saddle called Pindula.

Contact

Turistické informační centrum Frenštát pod Radhoštěm
Náměstí Míru 1
744 01 Frenštát p. Radhoštěm
E-mail: ic@mufrenstat.cz
Web: http://www.frenstat.info
Tel.: +420 556 836 916