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.
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 of the chapel on 31 July 1904, including local associations of cyclists, firemen and the readers' association.
Guide
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
The Chapel of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary is a Neo-Gothic building in Žďár in the Mladoboleslav region. It was created at the beginning of the twentieth century thanks to the generosity of a native son and with the help of the entire community.
The decision to build was made by the municipal council on December second, eighteen ninety-eight. It was the year of the fiftieth anniversary of Francis Joseph the First's accession to the throne, and therefore a jubilee chapel of larger dimensions was to be created, paid for by collections. The main credit ultimately belonged to Žďár native, doctor of philosophy Matěj Kovář. Together with his family, he donated the land and over twenty-two thousand crowns. The collection, which he himself organized, raised another twenty-four hundred nineteen crowns, and other collections altogether twenty-seventeen crowns. Small donations from individuals were also added.
Construction began on June second, nineteen hundred and three. Although official difficulties with the building permit appeared, builder Josef Kobosil from Doubravy completed the chapel by the end of July nineteen hundred and four. People from the surrounding area also helped a great deal, working for free. On Sunday, July thirty-first, nineteen hundred and four, bishop František Krásl consecrated the chapel. Over two thousand people attended the celebrations, including local cyclists, firefighters, and the readers' and economic association. The vicar of Kňežmost, Eduard Mattes, delivered a poem at that time, which was later published by the magazine Jizeran.
The chapel was created according to the model of the cemetery chapel in Pelhřimov by builder Josef Šlechta. It has a longitudinal floor plan with a polygonal presbytery and a western tower with a pointed portal. Pointed windows between buttresses were glazed by the firm Wolf and Štětka with etched cathedral glass. This was only the second such glazing in Bohemia.
The tower clock was made by Václav Krečmer from Vinohrady. Two bells, one in A and the other in C sharp, were cast by the Prague workshop of Arnošt Diepold. The clock and bells were exhibited at an exhibition in Prague, and both manufacturers received a silver medal for them.
The Neo-Gothic furnishings come from the workshop of the Bušeks in Huse near Sychrovo, and the organ was built by Prague organbuilder Josef Hubička. The Stations of the Cross were painted by Villém Müller from Frýdštejn. The chandelier was created at the glassworks of Count Jan Harrachus in Nový Svět, and smaller fittings were supplied by Prague sculptor and chaser Jan Staněk. The marble holy water font and marble plaque with a golden inscription above the door were created by Ludvík Šalda from Prague.
On the plaque is a chronogram, in Czech and in Latin. The Czech part reads: To our Mother, the Mother of God, for her honor.
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. 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
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: Žďár, Středočeský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
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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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
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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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 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
Photos: 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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