kaple Navštívení Panny Marie (Žďár) Chapel
The Chapel of Visitation of the Virgin Mary stands in Zdar in the district of Mladá Boleslav as a permanent reminder of the jubilee determination of the village. The decision to build the chapel fell on December 2, 1898 at the meeting of the municipal council, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Franz Joseph's accession to the throne. From the beginning, it was intended to make the construction larger and to be financed by public collections.
Ph. Dr. Matěj Kovář. He and his family contributed more than CZK 22,000, Dr. Kovář himself organized a collection which carried out another CZK 2,419, and the other collections brought together CZK 2,017. Land for construction was also part of the family contribution. No less important was the free help of the people around us, without which the project would probably have stretched out or become more expensive.
The construction began on 2nd June 1903. Despite bureaucratic complications with building permission, it was completed by Josef Kobosil from Doubrav in late July 1904. On Sunday, July 31, 1904, Bishop František Krásle attended the ceremony and saw more than 2 000 people - among them local associations of cyclists, firemen and readers-economic associations. On that occasion, the priesthood priest Eduard Mattes presented a poem which was later published in the Jizeran periodical.
The chapel is a neo-gothic building built according to the model of the cemetery chapel in Pelhrimov by builder Josef Šlecht. Oriented longitudinal plan includes a polygonal presbytery and a western tower with a steep portal. The large windows without circling between the backrest are glazed with etched cathedral glass from Wolf and Štětka - it is only the second case of such glazing in Bohemia at all. The clock was made by Václav Krečmer from Vinohrad; The chapel also received two bells with tones and cis from Prague's bell shop Arnost Diepolo. The clock and bells were displayed at the exhibition in Prague, where their creators received silver medals.
The interior of the chapel is equipped with a pseudo-gothic mobiliary from the Busek workshop in Huse near Sychrova. The organ comes from Prague organist Josef Hubek. The cross road was painted by Villeus Müller of Frýdštejn. The chandelier was delivered from the glassworks of Count Jan Harrach in the New World and small metal items were provided by Prague's Passeur and Ciseleur Jan Stanek. The marble drop and marble plate with gilded inscription above the entrance are the work of Louis Shalda from Prague. On the same board is carved a Latin chronogram: Mother of our mother, Mother of God, to honor - Marlae, Dei Genetrice, Haec Capella.
For a curious visitor, the chapel is interesting on several levels: as an example of late novogotism inspired by a specific construction design, as a proof of a carefully documented community foundation from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries as well as as as a collection of craft works from the leading then workshops from all over Bohemia. The fact that window glazing was only the second of its kind in the country at the time of its creation also adds a non-negligible kunsthistoric dimension to the chapel.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
Then
Now
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1898
- Decision of the council of the municipality on the construction of the jubilee chapel.
- 1903
- Opening of construction work on 2 June.
- 1904
- Completion of construction and festive consecration on 31 July.
Architectural development
The chapel was built in a neo-gothic style with oriented longitudinal plan and polygonal presbytery. It is characterized by thick windows without circles and a western tower with a steep portal. The interior was equipped with pseudo-gothic mobility and unique etched cathedral glass.
Historical events
1898: Council Decision on the construction of the jubilee chapel. 1903: Start of construction work. 1904: Ceremonial consecration of the chapel by Bishop František Krassel.
Owners
The sequence of owners with years if available, otherwise zero.
Points of interest
- The decision to build the chapel was made on December 2, 1898 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Franz Joseph's accession to the throne. - The glazing of the windows with etched cathedral glass by Wolf and Štětka was only the second case of such glazing in Bohemia at the time of creation. - The tower clock and two bells of the chapel were displayed at the exhibition in Prague, where their creators received silver medals. - A Latin chronogram dedicated to Mother of God is carved on a marble plate above the entrance. - More than 2 000 people took part in the ceremonial consecration
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.
Welcome! You are standing in front of the Chapel of Visiting the Virgin Mary in Žďár, a beautiful neo-gothic building that boasts its history and architectural features. Look up at her elegant facade and the perception of the atmosphere of this place will prepare you to travel back to the past.
1898 was decisive for Žďár. The municipal council gathered and decided to build this chapel as a jubilee monument to the 50th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The initiative supported by the local native Ph. Dr. Matěj Kovář was the start of a long process which led to the completion of the construction in 1904. Architect Josef Šlechta brought this project into life, inspired by the cemetery chapel in Pelhrimov.
Let's move closer and look at the architectural details. The chapel is decorated with glassware of etched cathedral glass from Wolf and Štětka, which was the second such case in the Czech Republic at the time of its creation. Note the elegant lines and decorative elements that decorate her facade.
Among the key personalities associated with this monument is Matěj Kovář, whose efforts were invaluable for the implementation of this project. František Josef I., emperor to whom the chapel is dedicated, and other personalities such as František Krásl and Eduard Mattes also played a role in shaping this historic place.
The interesting thing about this chapel is its glazing. At the time of creation, etched cathedral glass was a very rare material, giving this building unique aesthetic value and historical significance.
Now that you have learned of its origin and architectural features, I invite you to look at the surrounding environment. Let yourself be approached by the history of this place and its stories that have taken place here.
Thank you for your visit to the Chapel of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary in Žďár. We hope you enjoyed this guide and prepared for further discoveries in this beautiful area of Central Bohemia.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit is morning or late afternoon, when the sun pleasantly lights up the neo-gothic elements of the chapel and allows you to take detailed pictures without sharp shadows. Due to the nature of the construction, it is ideal to choose days with mild clouds for even scattered light.
You can easily reach the village Žďár by car. Parking is possible near the chapel on public areas in the village; Always make sure you don't block the entrances to the locals. For public transport travel, use the national search engine for connections that will offer up-to-date transport options to this location.
When visiting, we recommend to carry fixed shoes to move around and a bottle of water, especially in the summer months. If you are planning to photograph, take a wide-angle lens to capture the entire architecture of the chapel in the context of the surrounding building and landscape.
The surrounding area of the village Žďár in the district of Mladá Boleslav offers beautiful views towards the Czech Paradise. Walk around the village and its nearby surroundings is suitable for families with children who appreciate a quiet environment and the opportunity to learn about neo-gothic architecture in an authentic rural environment.
If you are planning a longer trip, take advantage of the proximity of the Czech Paradise, which offers a variety of possibilities for hiking and exploring the natural beauties easily available from the chapel within a short crossing.
Frequently asked questions
Is kaple Navštívení Panny Marie (Žďár) open to the public?
Yes, the chapel is open to the public from April to October. It's closed in the winter months because of bad weather.
How do I get to the place by car / public transport?
Parking is possible in the nearby parking lot by the road. Transport can also be arranged by bus or train from neighbouring cities.
How much is the entrance fee and is it paid on the spot?
The entrance to the chapel of Our Lady's Visitation is free of charge.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, a visit to the Chapel of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary is suitable for families with children and seniors, because there are suitable walks around and the possibility of observing nature.
How long does the tour take?
The visit of the Virgin Mary chapel takes about 15-30 minutes.
What are the opening times and booking is required?
The chapel is open to the public from April to October. It's closed in the winter months because of bad weather. Reservation is not necessary.
What's interesting in the immediate vicinity?
In the vicinity of the Chapel of Visitation of the Virgin Mary there are other historical monuments such as the church of St. James the Greater in the nearby town Žďár above Sázavou and natural elements such as forests and meadows.
For kids
Imagine going back to a time when there were no big cities on the Czech mountains and people lived in small villages. This is exactly where we are going today - to the beautiful chapel of the visit of the Virgin Mary in Žďár.
Žďár used to be a small village where people lived in forest huts and cultivated land. It was like a big family settlement! And right here at the end of the 16th century, the Chapel of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary began to be built. It was built by the locals themselves, by their own means. It was like a big adventure!
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Nearby
The village Žďár is located in the district of Mladá Boleslav, near the landscape of the Czech Paradise.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
Thematic cruise route: Chapel of Visitation of the Virgin Mary (Žďár)
1. Chapel Visiting the Virgin Mary - Type: Religious monument - Why is it worth a visit: This picturesque Baroque chapel is located in an idyllic environment near the village Žďár and offers quiet moments for meditation. It is famous for its historical architecture and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Landscape of the Czech Paradise - Type: Landscape zone - Why is it worth a visit: After exploring the chapel, take a short walk around the surrounding countryside of the Czech Paradise. This area offers views of the valley and forested slopes that are ideal for relaxation and nature.
3. Local Green Zone - Type: Green Zone - Why is it worth a visit: There are picturesque green spaces nearby where you can enjoy a while to relax or a short walk. These are ideal places to relax and view the natural landscape.
Order of the route: Start your trip at the Chapel of Visitation of the Virgin Mary, a follow-up walk around the Czech Paradise Landscape Zone and finish a moment of relaxation in the local green zone.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring The chapel of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary in Žďár is awakened to life in spring in fine light, which blends through glass stained windows and creates on the stone walls a game of colored reflections. The surrounding forests and meadows dress up in green and purple shades, while there is a calm, meditative atmosphere in the chapel, reinforced by the gentle fragrance of spring herbs penetrating open windows. The sound background is also specific - the singing of birds and the noise of the wind in the trees is mixed with the silent ringing of bells from nearby monastery. It is recommended to visit the chapel in the morning when the air is fresh and the crowds are minimal. It is suitable for light but warm clothes, as spring weather is variable - the morning can be cold, while the temperatures rise quickly after noon. The best time is the first half of the day when light hits the altar and creates a magical atmosphere in the interior.
Summer In the summer months the chapel shines in full force, when the sun's rays penetrate glass windows and create warm gold reflections on the ceiling frescoes. The surrounding area is lively - green lawns and tall trees provide a pleasant shade, while in the chapel there is pleasant coldness, ideal for escape from summer heat. The evening lighting is also specific, when the setting sun paints the stained glass into soft orange and pink tones. In the main summer season, however, it is necessary to count on a higher number of visitors, especially in the afternoon. It is recommended to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and to look at detailed paintings and statues in peace. It is suitable for light, breathable clothes, but with the possibility of covering the shoulders when entering a cooler interior. In the summer months it is also possible to use the surrounding trails for a short walk, which will make the chapel even more pleasant.
Autumn Autumn brings a unique atmosphere to the chapel of Our Lady's Visitation, where golden and red leaves are reflected in glass windows and create warm, honey shades on stone walls. The surrounding area turns into a palette of autumn colours, while the interior has a calm, almost intimate mood, reinforced by a noise of leaves and a quieter ringing. A later lighting is also specific - the sun sets earlier, but its rays continue to color the vitrates into soft shades. During this period the chapel is often less visited, which allows a tour without rush. It is recommended to come in the afternoon when the light is softer and the interior of the chapel works most beautifully. A warmer outfit is suitable, as autumn evenings can be cold, and comfortable shoes for possible walks along the surrounding roads. In Advent Time, the chapel also offers a special charm, adding a pre-Christmas mood to its peace.
Winter Winter visit to the chapel is like entering another world - snow cover of surrounding trees and forests creates a white landscape that is reflected in glass windows and turns the interior into light and shadow. In the chapel there is a warm, almost sacral atmosphere, where the light of candles and electric lamps is mixed with snow glitter and creates fine, blue and silver tones. A quieter environment is also specific - winter limits the number of visitors, which allows calm meditation. It is recommended to visit the chapel in the morning when the light is brightest and the opening hours are still full. It is suitable for warm, but not too heavy, clothing so that the mobility of the tour is not reduced. In winter it is also advisable to watch the opening times, as some monuments in a cold period shorten their operation. Walking the snowy roads around the chapel can be a pleasant addition to the visit, but it is necessary to take care of the slippery terrain.
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
Fotografie: Prazak / CC BY 2.5, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — 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.
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