kaple Neposkvrněného Početí Panny Marie u Libeňského zámku Chapel

Welcome to Prague Libni. Right now you are facing a remarkable historical monument, which is the chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, which is an integral part of the local chateau. Give a moment to this quiet and noble place that stands before you, and let the atmosphere of the past centuries breathe upon you. In front of you you can see a chateau chapel whose architecture and exterior bear traces of rich history associated with the rococo transformation of the entire chateau complex. Take a deep breath and let's go together to uncover the stories this place is hiding.

Let's move on in time to seventeen hundred seventy, when the new chapter of the estate began to be written. Just then the construction of this chapel was completed within the extensive Rococo reconstruction of Libeň Chateau. You may be surprised that this was the first ever church building built on the territory of the then separate Libeň municipality. Until then, the entire area was under administration on the nearby Prosek. The creation of this chapel thus meant a great landmark for the locals who finally gained their own sanctuary right in the heart of the estate.

Now pay attention to the construction itself and its architectural details. The design of this monument was created by a competent builder Jan Josef Prachner. When you look at the exterior and imagine a thought-through concept, you realize how much care the creators have given to this sacral architecture. Although you stand outside and you can admire the overall sound of the building, the greatest treasure is located inside, where you are not physically entering, but it is good to remember what the interior space holds. Inside, the chapel survived in an incredibly original state. All historical equipment, including altars, pulpit and beautiful fresco decoration, was preserved here, which shows a high craftsmanship and artistic level of the time. The main altar in the chapel is a masterpiece created by a talented sculptor and carver Richard Jiří Prachner. Other important personalities of their time participated in the interior decoration, including the painter Ignác Raab, whose brush imprinted an unmistakable spiritual dimension to the inner spaces. Other interesting figures, such as Eliška Hoffmannová, are also associated with the history of this place, which shaped the context of the time.

Over the centuries, the chapel has undergone many transformations that reflect the fated fates of our country. Originally, the chateau chapel served its purpose, but time brought about changes. The year nineteen hundred thirty-five brought an important milestone, when the chapel became a proper parish church and served the wider public even more intensively. But then came the twentieth century with its dark periods and in the 1950s the chapel was unfortunately consecrated. Although she lost her liturgical significance, her walls lasted. The hope came in nineteen hundred ninety-three, when the chapel was reconsecrated and its original spiritual role returned to it. The last big chapter in modern history was the demanding reconstruction that took place and was completed in twenty-five floors. During this time, the repaired chapel and adjacent sacristy underwent a total renewal, thanks to which this monument shines again in full glory and serves its purpose.

Interestingly, although many sacral buildings have lost their decoration or have been completely rebuilt over the centuries, this liberal chapel is a rare exception. Her interior has remained so authentic that you can literally touch the past here. When you stand before this construction, you realize that you are looking at a work that has survived centuries of political upheavals, wars and totalitarian regimes to preserve the legacy of its creators until today.

We believe this stop was rewarding for you. The Castle Chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary in Libni is an excellent example of how care and respect for the heritage of the ancestors can be preserved unique historical clues for future generations. Thank you for listening to our audio guide. We wish you a beautiful rest of your stay in Libni and look forward to seeing you at other sights.