Nejdecká Stations of the Cross

Above the town of Nejdek, which has long been one of the gates to the western Ore Mountains, rises the wooded peak of Křížový vrch. At first glance, this inconspicuous hill hides a unique cultural monument on its slopes - Nejdek's KŘÍŽOVÁ CESTA (Way of the Cross). And it is to this place that we embark on a hiking trip today.
The history of the local Way of the Cross began with one good deed. Anna Marie Häcklová was a wealthy local citizen and a childless widow. She was very fond of Nejdek, and when she felt that her last moments were approaching, she called four local citizens to witness her will. When she passed away a week later (April 1, 1840), it became known that she decided to devote her immense wealth to the construction of the Way of the Cross. It took another 11 years before her wish started becoming a reality, but in 1851, the construction of the path truly began.

The work was extremely demanding; the construction took place on a steep slope in inaccessible terrain, but the effort paid off. In the following years, many retaining walls were built above the town, and skilled craftsmen carved 14 chapels representing the 14 stations of this Way of the Cross. When the route was laid out and the chapels were placed in their locations, about 250 deciduous trees were planted around it. The work was completed, with just one step remaining: the consecration of the local Way of the Cross. This was undertaken on October 24, 1858, by Father Richard Gürtler.
Even after its completion, work on the beautification of the path did not stop. In 1860, the Chapel of Mount of Olives was added, and two years later, the construction of another chapel - the Holy Sepulchre - began, located at the end of the path on the peak of Křížový vrch. And the work continued. A chapel carved into the rock, a wooden and later an iron cross, were additional components of this pilgrimage site. Everything here was created through the initiatives of local people, who lovingly beautified and maintained their Way of the Cross, of which they were rightfully proud. During the First Republic, benches for resting and electric lighting were added. Who paid for this? Mostly the local patriots once again.

Then worse times came. The Way of the Cross suffered during the war. It was partially damaged, most of the benches and rest areas disappeared, and the path's maintenance was not the best. No one had the time or the inclination to beautify the path. But this was nothing compared to what happened after the war. How to describe it in two words? Decline and devastation. The Way of the Cross became dilapidated, much of its inventory was destroyed or stolen.

The first attempts to restore the Way of the Cross date back to the year 2000, when Nejdek citizens tried to revive it. Even restored reliefs were created - though after a few days, someone vented their frustration on them. However, the locals did not give up their efforts! The Way of the Cross was restored and refurbished, with reliefs created by Nejdek artist Heřman Kouba and decorative elements by Mr. Stanislav Nádeníček, and eventually, Nejdek's Way of the Cross received its reconsecration. This was conducted on Sunday, August 31, 2008, by Bishop of Plzeň, František Radkovský.
Today, the Way of the Cross in Nejdek is an ideal destination for an excursion, a place for reflection and inner peace. Highly recommended!

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