kaple Andělů strážných (Zlatá Koruna) Chapel

The Chapel of the Angels of the Guardians in Zlaté Crown is the oldest building of the golden-Russian Abbey, which represents a rare example of early Gothic monastery architecture. It is located in the northeast part of the complex near the choir of the conventional church and is oriented by a longitudinal axis towards the northeast. This two-storey chapel, which was probably developed gradually in the last third of the 13th century, is unique to its historical and architectural significance.

The history of the chapel dates back to the second half of the 13th century, when the Czechs went through a period of political strengthening and cultural flourishing under the rule of the Přemyslívov. This time was characterized by the development of monastery institutions and Gothic architecture, which is also reflected in this chapel. The mornings of the Gothic elements on the ground floor correspond to similar parts in the chorus chapel of the Cistercian monastery in Vyší Broda, dating back to the 1980s. The original function of the chapel is discussed; Some sources suggest that she may have served as a hospital church or a private oratory. It is also possible that it was built to preserve the thorn from Christ's crown of thorns, which King Přemysl Otakar II donated to the monastery.

The architecture of the chapel is fascinating with its two-storey structure, which was rather an exception in the Czech Republic. The lower area is 7.30 metres high and the upper floor is 4 metres high. The exterior of the wall is divided by several subtile supports with a roof and a small ledge separating the floor. The original windows on the lower floor were destroyed, but on the upper floor of the chapel on both sides of the southwest field are visible the original windows end with a half circle with a inserted monk. The stairwell connecting the floor was demolished, only his remains.

The presbytery of the chapel was demolished in 1787 and only a fragment of the priest's thorn was preserved. After the desecration, the chapel was converted to flats, but the modern restoration gave it its present appearance back. The chapel originally had a steep roof of the presbytery, from which only remains were preserved.

The interior of the chapel is divided by three boxes of cross vaults on the ground floor and three rectangular cross fields on the upper floor. Clamps on the liaison ribs are decorated with a vegetative motif that resembles a wreath of leaves. The ribs are mounted on the polygonal shape of the connections and the consoles have the shape of an inverted needle hidden under the carved vegetable decoration. On the top floor there are ribs of the same profile as on the bottom floor, converging smoothly and uninterrupted into the volcanoes.

The original portal of the chapel is divided from the outside by a groove with columns on polygonal volcanoes. The eggs are finished with a ring with a vegetative motif and a cover plate of polygonal shape. Tympanone is decorated with leaf decoration relief, framed passport with vegetative motif of wine leaves.

Today the Chapel of the guardian angels represents an important historical monument and is accessible to visitors. Its architectural elements and history make it an interesting object worth exploring. Visiting this chapel means not only seeing a rare example of early Gothic architecture, but also immersing yourself in the rich history of monastic life in Bohemia.