bývalá kaple svatého Urbana Chapel
The former chapel of St. Urban is located in Smolkov, part of the village of Háj in Silesia in the district of Opava. Today's modified ruins and symbolic elements resemble the history of the construction that reflected the fate of the Czech countries in the 20th century.
The origin of the chapel dates back to when there was a small wooden structure. In 1863 it was to be extended and two years later, in 1865, it was dedicated to St. Urban. A fundamental change was brought about by modernization in 1880, when the old chapel was demolished and a new stone building was built in its place. A simple building with a rectangular plan, three-sided finish and a square sacristy with a shale roof grew in the middle of Smolkova. Part of the chapel was a tower with a bell which was purchased from Vienna's New Town.
Gradually, the chapel acquired other elements. In 1881, a cross was erected and a cross road was built. In 1903 the statues of St. Peter and St. Paul were placed in the chapel, which highlighted its religious character. The bell had a stormy fate - during the First World War it was confiscated by the Austrian-Hungarian army. After the war, in 1919, a steel spare bell was placed in the chapel, which was replaced in 1925 by a newly purchased quality bell.
The Second World War was seriously affected by the chapel. During the bombing of Smolkov in April 1945, the chapel burned down and had to be destroyed. Plans to build a new chapel in the post-war period were not made because of changes in political conditions in Czechoslovakia. A temporary wooden bell tower with a bell from the original chapel was displayed on the site and a local cross from the end of the 19th century was moved to the chapel.
Memory recovery didn't start until decades later. In 2008 there was a memorial stone at the chapel. In 2016, the foundation of the chapel was revealed, on which was built a stone wall and a wooden arch symbolically located at the place of the original entrance. On 17 November 2016, the place of the former chapel was re-sanctified. The chapel is located in a small park between the streets of Old Road, Poddubí and Vančurov near Silesian Grunt, where information boards are located.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1863
- Planned reconstruction and extension of the original wooden chapel
- 1880
- The demolition of the old chapel and the construction of the new stone chapel of St. Urban
- 1945
- Destroying the chapel by bombing during World War II
- 2016
- Symbolic designation of the place of the former chapel and its sanctification
Architectural development
Originally there was a wooden chapel, which was replaced in 1880 by a stone building in historical style. The chapel had a roof covered with shale, a tower with a bell and a sacristy. After the destruction in 1945, the ruins were modified and symbolically marked with a stone wall and an arch in the original entrance.
Historical events
In 1863 the development of the original wooden chapel was planned, which was demolished in 1880 and replaced by a new stone building. During World War I, the original bell was confiscated for military use. The chapel burned down and was destroyed during the bombing of Smolkov in April 1945.
Points of interest
- The chapel of St. Urban was originally a small wooden building which was dedicated in 1865 and later replaced in 1880 by a stone chapel with a tower and bell purchased from Vienna's New Town.
- In 1881 there was a cross road and a cross set up at the chapel, while in 1903 there were statues of St. Peter and St. Paul.
- During the First World War, the original bell was confiscated, which was replaced by a steel bell in 1919 and finally a new bell in 1925.
- The chapel burned down in the bombing of Smolkova in April 1945 and was then destroyed because the new building was not carried out for political reasons.
- In 2016, the foundations of the chapel were revealed and a symbolic wooden arch was erected at the site of the original entrance, after the place was sanctified again in November of the same year.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
In Smolkov, a part of the village of Háj ve Slezsku in the Opavsko region, there are the restored ruins of a former chapel dedicated to Saint Urban. Only the foundations of the chapel remain, but its story reaches back to the nineteenth century.
According to preserved records, a smaller wooden chapel originally stood here. In 1863 it was to be expanded, and two years later, in 1865, it was dedicated to Saint Urban. However, already in 1880 it was demolished and a new stone chapel was built in its place. It was a simple structure with a rectangular floor plan, a three-sided apse, and a square sacristy. The roof was covered with slate and the chapel stood in the middle of the village. It had a bell tower with a bell that was purchased in Wiener Neustadt.
In 1881 a cross and a Stations of the Cross were erected next to the chapel. In 1903, statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul were added inside the chapel. During the First World War, the Austro-Hungarian army confiscated the bell. In 1919 it was replaced by a temporary steel bell, and in 1925 a new, high-quality bell was installed.
During the Second World War, the chapel underwent reconstruction. However, in April 1945, during the bombing of Smolkov, it caught fire and had to be torn down. After the war, plans were made to build a new chapel, but following the change in political circumstances in Czechoslovakia, this never happened. Beside the chapel site, the local residents built at least a temporary wooden bell tower with the bell from the original chapel, and they moved the local cross from the end of the nineteenth century to the chapel site itself.
Attention to the history of the chapel only returned in the new millennium. In 2008, a memorial stone was placed here. In 2016, the chapel foundations were uncovered and a stone wall was built on them. A symbolic wooden arch stands in the place of the original entrance. On November 17, 2016, the site of the former chapel was blessed again.
The remains of the chapel are located in a small park between Stará cesta, Poddubí, and Vančurova streets, not far from the Hospoda Slezský Grunt. Information boards tell the story of this place.
Tips for visitors
Best time to visit the former chapel of St. Urban in Smolkov is in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and surrounding nature is in full glory. In summer there is often a great interest, especially near local holidays, and in winter access can be limited due to snow or ice. The chapel is an ideal place for walking in a quiet environment where you can enjoy the historic atmosphere without crowds.
Transport is provided by car, but local communication can be in some parts narrow. If you arrive by public transport, it is recommended to verify the current connection in the traffic search engine, as direct connections to Smolkov are rare. The chapel is located just minutes from the stops, so walking access is not a problem.
When visiting the chapel, wear comfortable shoes and suitable clothing, as the terrain around it is mostly uneven and covered with grass or stony surface. It is also appropriate to take a small umbrella or raincoat with you, because the weather in this area can change quickly. For convenience, you can also bring a small bag of water and refreshments because there is no nearby restaurant.
For photography is the best time early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer and the chapel is lit by the side light, highlighting its historical details. The best places for photography are around the chapel from different angles, especially from the park between the streets of Old Road and Poddubí, where the overall view of the ruins is well captured. Make sure your shadows don't get caught on stone walls.
There are several interesting places around the chapel of St. Urban that are worth visiting within 30 minutes' drive. You can visit the cross road, located in the nearby area and offer a quiet walk with historical stops. There is also an information board that provides further information on the history of the chapel and surrounding region. If you are interested in local culture, you can also visit Silesian Grunt, which is located near the chapel and offers an authentic atmosphere.
For families with children, visiting the chapel of St. Urban is an interesting activity because children can explore the historical ruins and have fun in the surrounding park. You can tell them stories about the chapel and the local events that took place here. There is also plenty of room for children's games and walks around the chapel. It is recommended to take with you also some small toys or pieces of paper and pencils so that children can draw their impressions from the visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
Religious buildings are usually open mainly during services; at other times a visit is normally arranged with the parish or the operator. We have not verified specific times.
Where is the monument?
Location: Smolkov, Moravskoslezský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
For kids
Imagine going back to when St. Urban's Chapel was the largest cultural monument in Smolkov. It was like a game where people from all over the area met to pray and celebrate the holiday.
This is where people lived who used to feed on agriculture and trade. The chapel was their refuge before the storm or on important occasions. It was like a village life center where weddings, funerals and other celebrated events took place.
Businesses nearby
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
The chapel is located in a small park between the streets of Old Road, Poddubí and Vančurov near Silesian Grunt pub. There are other historical elements in the area such as the cross road and information board.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
1. St Urban Chapel * Type: * Former sacral building with historical significance. * Why visit? * Unique monument in the centre of the village, connected with local tradition and religious history. Its location in a quiet park offers pleasant seating and a view of the surrounding countryside.
2. Cross Way * Type: * Road with 14 stops, located near the chapel. * Why visit? * An important spiritual element that complements the atmosphere of the place. Each stop offers a short meditation or rest while walking.
3. Information board at the chapel * Type: * Memory board with historical data. * Why visit? * It provides basic information about the chapel and its importance, ideal for visitors who want to learn more about the history of the site.
4. Pub Silesian Grunt * Type: * Local pub with outdoor seating. * Why visit? * After a walk offers an opportunity to relax in a pleasant environment, taste local specialities and experience the authentic atmosphere of the village.
5. Old road, Poddubí and Vančurov street * Type: * Local communication with historical character. * Why visit? * The walk through these streets reveals picturesque houses and rural character of the village, which complements the overall experience of visiting the chapel and its surroundings.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring season bývalá kaple svatého Urbana in Smolkov is charming because of the wonderful lighting, when the sun rays penetrate through the green trees and create a living pattern on the surface of ruins. Nature begins to revive around the chapel; The flowers are blooming, adding a color palette to the historical background. The atmosphere is calm and full of hope, which makes the visit strangely impressive. Visitors are advised to come at the beginning of the day when crowds are less and it is possible to explore the chapel in peace. Due to mild temperatures, a light suit with umbrella or coat is suitable because the weather can be variable.
Summer: The chapel of St. Urban in Smolkov is a popular destination for visitors thanks to long summer days that allow detailed examination of ruins. The atmosphere is vibrant and full of energy, making this period ideal for family trips. The main summer season may increase the number of visitors, so it is advisable to come early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid these crowds. Visitors are advised to wear light clothes and a sun helmet as well as water for the journey, as temperatures may be high.
Autumn: In the autumn, the chapel of St. Urban becomes melancholic beauty thanks to the golden and red leaves of trees that add color depth to the ruins. The atmosphere is calmer compared to the summer months, allowing us to explore the historical object more intimately. Visitors are advised to come in between hours when the crowd is minimal and it is possible to enjoy peace. Due to mild temperatures, a suit with an umbrella or coat is suitable because the weather can be variable.
Winter: Winter visit to St. Urban Chapel in Smolkov offers a unique atmosphere with covered snow ruins that have a magical view. The sun rays on the snowy background add a romantic touch to the historical environment. The opening times of the chapel may be reduced this season, so it is advisable to check the current opening times first. Visitors are advised to wear warm clothes and a protective helmet against the wind as well as shoes suitable for walking on snow or ice. Because of a quieter atmosphere, this is an ideal time for those looking for a quiet and introspective experience.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Fry72, Karel Frydrýšek / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
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