There is no style of architecture that would better characterise the Czech lands than the Baroque. Even more distinctively Czech is Czech Baroque Gothic – a phenomenon that is not found anywhere else in the world. Its founder came from a famous family of stonemasons working – among other places – on Prague‘s St. Vitus Cathedral. His name was Jan Blažej Santini Aichel.
Plan a trip to one of his most famous works – the Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk in Zelená hora in the Czech Republic.
The Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk
Santini started working on the pilgrimage church in 1719, and the church was consecrated just three years later. Interior work on the five chapels and five gates continued under Santini’s supervision after consecration in 1722 and then, after his death in 1723, was finished by his followers.
The Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk – detail of the frontage.
The plan is based on a star-shaped platform symbolizing a star surrounded by stars. The five chapels in the ambulatory symbolize Christ’s five wounds and the five stars that appeared at the time of the death of John of Nepomuk.
Santini’s originality and the uniqueness of his talent attracted critical notice from his lifetime and on into modern times – and the church was classified a UNESCO heritage site in 1994.
Star-shaped outer casing – entry.
Opening times: Jan – March – for groups only and only after booking 3 days in advance.
From April onwards there are regular days and hours when the site is open.
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Detail of outer casing.
Tickets: Full Price 110CZK, Discount 60 CZK
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Apart from the hours when the Chapel is open, there are public ativities during the year – including PILGRIMAGE RELIGIOUS SERVICES.
Detail of an interior.
Connections from Prague: By car, on higway D1, exit 119 to Žďár nad Sázavou. Alternatively, it is possibile to take a direct train from Prague to Žďár nad Sázavou and then use a local bus to Zelená Hora.
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Photos: Martina Advaney, Shutterstock
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