The Baroque church of the Holy Cross and Saint Helen is a small, round church situated in the Háje district of Prague-Stodůlky. Built in the 18th century, it is a rare example of a Baroque church in the region. This monument is notable for its unique history, which is closely tied to the discovery of a metal cross in 1742, and its subsequent restoration and reconsecration in 1892.
The church was built as a chapel to commemorate the discovery of the metal cross, which was found in a tree stump by a soldier in 1742. The cross was given to the Emperor's wife, Maria Theresa, who kept it as a memento. The church was built on the site where the cross was found and was consecrated in 1754 by Prague's archbishop, Jan Mořic Gustav Manderscheid. Initially dedicated to the Discovery of the Holy Cross, it was later rededicated to the Holy Cross and Saint Helen in 2016.
The church features a round floor plan with two apses, a two-winged door, and a Baroque style. It was built using stone and boasts a distinctive design. The church's architecture is attributed to Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, a prominent Baroque architect.
Throughout its history, the church has had several owners and administrators. In 1787, it was removed from the church register and began to deteriorate. However, in 1892, it was restored and reconsecrated by the Czech Crown. The church was later used for various purposes, including as a shelter for the homeless.
One of the most significant events in the church's history is the discovery of the metal cross in 1742. This event led to the construction of the church, which was built to commemorate the discovery. The church has also been the site of several notable events, including the restoration and reconsecration in 1892.
Today, the church is in relatively good condition and is used for occasional services. It is located in the Háje district of Prague-Stodůlky, near Jeremiášova street and the railway line. The church is worth visiting for its unique history and architecture, and its significance as a rare example of a Baroque church in the region.
Historical milestones
- 1738
- A hostelry called Bílý Beránek was located near the site.
- 1742
- A metal cross was discovered in a tree stump, which led to the construction of the church.
- 1787
- The church was removed from the church register and began to deteriorate.
- 1892
- The church was restored and reconsecrated.
Architectural development
The church has a kruhový (round) floor plan with two apses. The entrance apse has a two-winged door and its rounded corners use niches. The church was built using stone and has a Baroque style.
Historical events
- 1738
- A hostelry called Bílý Beránek was located near the site.
- 1742
- A metal cross was discovered in a tree stump, which led to the construction of the church.
- 1787
- The church was removed from the church register and began to deteriorate.
- 1892
- The church was restored and reconsecrated.
Owners
Czech Crown, private ownership
Points of interest
– The church was built on the site where the cross was found, but not exactly where the soldier discovered it. The cross was found in a tree stump in a nearby forest, but the church was built a short distance away.
– The church was initially dedicated to the Discovery of the Holy Cross, but it was later rededicated to the Holy Cross and Saint Helen in 2016. This change was made to honor the saint who found the cross, Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine.
Guide
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Welcome to this unique Baroque chapel of the Finding of the Holy Cross in Prague-Stodůlky. You are standing before a small, round building that symbolizes rich history and interesting stories. Let's step back into the 18th century when there was an inn called Bílý Beránek here.
Let's move to the year 1742, when an intriguing event occurred. In a nearby forest, a metal cross plaque was found, which became the impetus for building this chapel. The chapel was constructed at the site where the cross plaque was discovered, but not precisely where it was first seen by the soldier. The cross was found in the trunk of a tree in the forest, but the chapel was built a short distance away.
Now let's focus on the architecture of this chapel. It was built in the Baroque style, which is very rare in this area. Look up at its dome and notice its unique architectural shape. The construction of the chapel is the work of the renowned architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer.
Notice that the chapel was originally dedicated to the Finding of the Holy Cross but was later also consecrated to Saint Helena. The chapel has a rich history, during which it became the property of several notable figures, including Empress Maria Theresa and Jan Moritz Gustav Manderscheid.
Now let's turn our attention to an interesting personality associated with this chapel. Felix Davídek, who was a significant Czech priest, was born and raised here.
Let's now focus on the curiosity of this chapel. The chapel was built at the site where the cross plaque was found, but not precisely where it was first seen by the soldier. The cross was found in the trunk of a tree in the forest, but the chapel was built a short distance away.
Let's now say goodbye and invite you to enjoy this unique Baroque chapel. Explore it thoroughly and gain more information about its rich history.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the Baroque church of the Holy Cross and Saint Helen is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and sunny, making it ideal for taking photos.
The church is easily accessible by car and public transportation. You can park your car near the Jeremiášova street or use the nearby bus stop to reach the church.
It's a good idea to bring a camera to capture the beautiful architecture and interior of the church. The best spots for photography are around the exterior of the church and inside the nave.
If you're visiting with children, consider bringing a guidebook or a map to help them understand the history and significance of the church. You can also explore the nearby Háje district, which has several parks and playgrounds.
The church is a small, round building, and the interior is relatively simple. However, the exterior is adorned with intricate stone carvings and ornate details, making it a great subject for photography.
Businesses nearby
Nearby
The church is located in the Háje district of Prague-Stodůlky, near the Jeremiášova street and the railway line.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
Search tours and activities →Themed route
Route: Finding the Holy Cross (Stodůlky) and Surroundings
1. Chapel of the Finding of the Holy Cross (Stodůlky): This chapel is the main highlight of our excursion route. It is located in Háje, Prague-Stodůlky, near Jeremiášova Street and the railway line. The chapel is a significant landmark worth visiting for its unique architecture and history.
2. Háje: The municipality of Háje, where the chapel is situated, offers a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. You can stroll through the local streets and take in the surrounding buildings.
3. Stodůlky Train Station: If you enjoy train travel, you can stop at this station to explore its building.
Seasonal recommendations
Jaro: In the spring season, the Chapel of the Finding of the Holy Cross is surrounded by blooming trees and flowers, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The lighting is soft and natural. We recommend visiting the chapel during the spring season for its enjoyable weather and tranquil ambiance. It's best to visit in late spring when the weather is warm and sunny but not yet too hot.
Léto: In summer, the Chapel of the Finding of the Holy Cross is surrounded by green trees and flowers, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The lighting is soft and natural. We recommend visiting the chapel in early summer when the weather is warm and sunny, but there are not yet large crowds of tourists. It's best to visit the chapel in the morning or early afternoon to avoid big tourist crowds.
Podzim: In autumn, the Chapel of the Finding of the Holy Cross is surrounded by the colors of falling leaves, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The lighting is soft and natural. We recommend visiting the chapel in late autumn when the weather is cool and sunny but not yet too cold. It's best to visit in the late afternoon or evening to avoid large crowds of tourists.
Zima: In winter, the Chapel of the Finding of the Holy Cross is surrounded by white snow, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. The lighting is soft and natural. We recommend visiting the chapel during winter when the weather is cold and snowy but there are not yet large crowds of tourists. It's best to visit in the late afternoon or evening to avoid big tourist crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk around the area.
Visualizations and artistic views
Vizualizace jsou generovány umělou inteligencí a slouží jako inspirace.
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