hřbitovní kaple svatého Isidora Cemetery chapel

The cemetery chapel of St. Isidor in the village Křenov is a Baroque monument dedicated to the Spanish peasant and revered by Isidor. Olomouc bishopric allowed its construction in 1706, making it an important part of the cultural heritage of the village. The history of the building dates back to 1713, when it was decorated with statues of saints and angels with musical instruments. This decoration reflected the original purpose of the chapel as a place of prayer for good crops. For centuries of non-use, it was closed and gradually decayed in the 20th century. The reconstruction work, which included roof security, facade repair and interior restoration, took place from 2004 to 2017.

The origin of the chapel is closely linked to the Baroque period in Central Europe, when the artistic movement, characterized by rich decoration and dramatic forms, expanded. In Bohemia this style was particularly popular in churches and monasteries, which was also reflected in the architecture of the chapel of St. Isidor. The construction was authorised by the Olomouc Bishop at the request of the priest and patron Johann Benedict Schindler, which underlines its spiritual and community importance. The construction started in 1707 and the building was dedicated to Saint Isidor, the Spanish peasant, which corresponded to the prayers for the harvest.

The architecture of the chapel is typical of the Baroque period. The oval building is a glass of dome, supported by two shortened Tuscan pilasters, giving space to nobility and elegance. The entrance portal with ears and drops carries a torn triangle front. The interior consists of a walled circle under an arched vaulted arch with triangular sections. There are oval windows among the pilasters that provide harmonious lighting. Sacristy is crossed with ornamental motifs of baskets with crops and covered with valbed roof. On the dome of the chapel there is a fresco of eight angelic bark, which complements rich decoration.

The Chapel of Saint Isidor was listed in the list of cultural monuments in 1958, confirming its historical and cultural value. After a long period of non-use and decaying, the reconstruction took place between 2004 and 2017. The roof, facade and interior were repaired by students and teachers at the Faculty of Restoration of the University of Pardubice together with academic painter Josef Čoban and his co-workers. The financial support for the preservation of the monument was provided by the municipality Křenov, Pardubicky Region and the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.

Today the chapel of St. Isidor in Křenov is open to visitors and is worth visiting because of its historical and architectural value. The reconstruction not only preserved but also restored the beauty of baroque art and spiritual importance for the community. The value of this monument lies not only in its historical roots, but also in efforts to preserve and restore it. It is a reminder of the importance of cultural heritage and its protection for future generations.