Golden rose - honor by John Paul II to the basilica in Velehrad

The Golden Rose is historically awarded by the Pope as a special distinction for personalities, temples, cities, or governments for their Catholic character and loyalty to the Holy See. Currently it is exclusively awarded to places. In the Czech Republic, only two locations hold this award - the Cathedral of St. Vitus at the Prague Castle and the Velehrad Basilica. Pope John Paul II awarded the Golden Rose to the Velehrad Basilica on June 28, 1985 on the occasion of the pilgrimage at the 1100th anniversary of the death of St. Methodius.