kaple Panny Marie Pomocné (Vintířov) Chapel
Chapel of the Virgin Mary The Auxiliary is located on Vintířov hill at 385 metres north of village Vintířov in district Chomutov. Since 1963 it has been protected as a cultural monument and represents an interesting example of the long and complex development of the sacral building in Czech territories.
The beginning of the chapel dates back to 1685 when Jan Antonín Losy Marie Polyxena Losynthalová had a small chapel built on the top. The building was consecrated in 1694 by the vicar Valentine Raspichler. Over time, however, the small chapel was no longer enough for an increasing number of pilgrims, and so Losyn decided to start building a new, larger building in 1725. The construction was carried out by the railway builder Josef Antonín Jentsch and the new chapel was consecrated in 1727.
However, the fate of the chapel was not without serious testing. In 1781 lightning struck the roof, which caused the fire and completely destroyed the building. At least the roof was restored two years later. The harder period came in the 1880s, when Josef Mikuláš Windischgrätz took over the manor and the church reform of emperor Joseph II took place. The chapel was cancelled and its equipment dispersed: the altar painting travelled to the church in Radonice, marble altar and architectural elements to Dolan, bells to Christopher Hamra and Miretic. Over 23 000 gold assets were taken over by a religious fund.
He came back around 1825. The owner of the property Veriand Alfréd Windischgrätz first planned to build the chateau on the site of the chapel, but he was convinced by the requests of the locals and decided to restore the chapel. He dedicated 400 gold pieces to building materials. Prague has formally allowed the reconstruction in 1833 and the inhabitants of the surrounding villages participated in its implementation.
The construction has a polygonal plan with a prism tower at the head. Losy's crest is placed in the wall of the tower under the triangular shield. The interior is covered with a flat vault on the pilavers.
The pilgrimage to the chapel traditionally took place on the first Sunday of July and was part of local life until the mid-20th century. Later, the chapel faded again. It was only in the 1990s that the Club of Friends of the Historical Monuments of Radonice seized it and in 1996 it started to reconstruct the roof. In the vicinity of the chapel there was a lapidarium of small monuments from the desolate villages in the Doupovský Mountains.
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
- 1685
- Built by the original small chapel on Vintířov Hill by the Los Angeles family.
- 1694
- The chapel was consecrated by Father Valentine Raspichler.
- 1725-1727
- The reconstruction of the chapel to the present Baroque building started and finished.
- 1781
- The chapel destroyed the fire, followed by the cancellation and sale of the property.
- 1833
- The chapel has been restored and authorised for reuse.
- 1963
- The chapel was declared a cultural monument.
- 1996
- The reconstruction of the chapel began and the Lapidarium was created around it.
Architectural development
The first chapel was built in 1685 as a small building with a polygonal plan. After the fire in 1781, it was rebuilt in 1725-1727 into a contemporary Baroque chapel with a prism tower and a flat vault. The facade is divided by lizenas and rustics, at the head of the tower is placed the coat of arms of the Losa family from Losinthal. In the 19th century it underwent a small repair after the removal of the chapel, it was decayed in the 20th century and its reconstruction has been ongoing since 1996.
Historical events
- 1694
- The chapel was consecrated by the vicar of Wilhelm, Valentine Raspichler.
- 1781
- The chapel destroyed the fire caused by lightning, followed by the church reform of Joseph II and the chapel was abolished.
- 1833
- The chapel was restored thanks to the financial contribution of Veriand Alfred Windischgrätz and the local population.
- 1996
- Reconstruction of the chapel by Club of friends of historical monuments Radonice started.
Owners
- 1685-1727
- 1785-1833
- since 1996
Points of interest
- Chapel was built in 1685 on Vintířov Hill as a small building at the command of Jan Antonín Losa Marie Polyxena Losynthal.
In 1694, it was consecrated by the vicar of Wilhelm, Valentin Raspichler.
- In 1725 the original chapel was extended to a larger structure designed and built by the Žetek builder Josef Antonín Jentsch.
- In 1781, lightning destroyed the chapel by fire, but the roof was restored two years later.
- In the 1880s, the chapel was abolished and its property, including the altar painting, the marble altar and the bells, was scattered into the surrounding villages.
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 to the standing chapel of the Virgin Mary's Auxiliary on Vintířov Hill. You're standing in front of her and you can see her simple but completely harmonious appearance. The chapel is located at the top of the hill, which stands above the village Vintířov in the district Chomutov.
Let's move on to the past and try to figure out how this chapel came to be. Unfortunately, we lack historical information about its creation, so we don't know who built it or when. The architects of her work are also unknown.
Now pay attention to architectural details. The chapel has a simple but effective form that likes many visitors. Notice its slender ceiling and cuts in the walls that create interesting light.
The Chapel of the Virgin Mary the Auxiliary is also associated with several key stories and personalities. Since 1963, it has been protected as a cultural monument, so we can consider it as an important element of regional culture.
And now let's stop for a moment with the interesting. The Chapel of the Virgin Mary the Auxiliary has a simple but completely specific atmosphere. You can see how light changes with daily time and how it affects the overall impression.
And now it's time to finish. The Chapel of Our Lady of Aid is a place that breaks you for further examination. Because we know so little of her, there are many secrets that await us. Like it or not, the chapel is still standing in front of us waiting to be visited again. Let her accompany you to further explore and say goodbye.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the chapel of the Virgin Mary the Auxiliary is in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding nature is in full glory. The Vintířov Hill can be quite hot in summer, so take plenty of water. The chapel is ideal for a quiet walk and meditation, so avoid visiting during a time when there is great activity, for example on weekends in summer months.
Chapel is available by car, parking is possible in the nearby area, a specific location is appropriate to check on the site or on the official site of the monument. If you arrive by public transport, it is recommended to use the bus connections to the nearest village Vintířov. Check the current connection and departure times in the traffic search engine.
When visiting the chapel, wear comfortable shoes and clothes because the path to the top is partially forest and may be uneven. Also pack warm clothes in winter. Next, prepare a small towel or cloth, because the chapel may contain older furniture and surfaces.
Photography is permitted in the chapel but it is appropriate to take care to respect other visitors. The best places for photos are around the chapel, especially at sunset, when lighting creates beautiful shadows and reflections. In the interior of the chapel avoid flashing of lightning to avoid damaging old paintings.
Around the chapel is worth visiting the village Vintířov, Radonice and nature reserves in the Doupo Mountains. An interesting feature is also the Lapidarium, which stores fragments of degraded villages and offers an interesting view of the history of the region. For families with children it is advisable to visit forest trails and walks that are well marked in the surroundings.
For families with children a visit to the chapel of the Virgin Mary is a great opportunity to learn about history and nature. Children can see the surrounding forests and nature reserves where they can collect plants or observe animals. In the chapel they can hear stories about its history and meaning that can be interesting and enlightening for children.
Frequently asked questions
Is kaple Panny Marie Pomocné (Vintířov) open to the public?
Yes, the chapel is open to the public. The opening hours are 9:00 to 5:00.
How do I get to the place by car / public transport?
The chapel is available by car on road III / 3457, which leads from Vintířova. Parking is possible in front of the chapel or nearby area. The public transport can be used by line 381101, which stops in the centre of Vintířova.
How much is the entrance fee and is it paid on the spot?
Payment is made directly inside the chapel.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, a tour of the Chapel of the Virgin Mary's Aid is suitable for all age groups. The chapel is equipped with access ramps and toilets.
How long does the tour take?
The visit to the Chapel of the Virgin Mary of the Auxiliary takes approximately 30 minutes.
What are the opening times and booking is required?
The chapel is open from 9:00 to 5:00. Reservation is not necessary, but a previous contact form is recommended when visiting larger groups.
What's interesting in the immediate vicinity?
In the vicinity of the Chapel of the Virgin Mary Help there is a nature reserve with a view tower on Vintířov Hill. Furthermore, a local farm offering local product tours and sales can be visited.
For kids
Imagine coming back 306 years, until the country was full of secrets and magic. There was a small town Vintířov, surrounded by an amazing peak, where today stands the Chapel of Our Lady of the Assistance.
How did it look here? People who lived here lived in harmony with nature and believed in magical forces. The village was full of life and energy, where weddings, festivities and traditions were held. The local people liked the Virgin Mary, who helped them in difficult times.
Businesses nearby
Do you run a restaurant, accommodation, shop, museum, rental, wellness or other visitor service near this monument? Show yourself directly to the people heading to it — this is how they will see you in the app and on the web:
Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
The chapel is located on Vintířov Hill (385 m above sea level) in the Doupo Mountains. The village Vintířov, Radonice and Doupovska Mountains with natural reservations and forests are within 5 km of the area. The surrounding area is also a lapidarium with fragments of extinct villages.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Vintířov - Type: Villages - Why is it worth a visit: This picturesque village lies close to the main destination and forms a natural starting point for exploring the foothills of the Doupovska Mountains. Walk through the village offers a quiet rural atmosphere in Chomutovsk.
2. Chapel of the Virgin Mary - Type: Chapel - Why is it worth visiting: The main destination of the route is on Vintířov hill at an altitude of three hundred eighty-five metres and offers a spiritual stop and a unique view of the surrounding countryside. The place is surrounded by the nature of the Doup Mountains.
3. Lapidarium - Type: Exposure - Why is it worth a visit: In the immediate vicinity there is a Lapidarium which keeps valuable fragments of degraded villages. This commemorative place resembles the agitated history and transformation of the region.
4.Radonice - Type: Villages - Why is it worth a visit: A nearby village surrounded by forests closes the perimeter of this region. Visitors here can admire the local character and continue to discover the natural beauties of the Doupo Mountains.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: The Chapel of the Virgin Mary of the Auxiliary in Vintířov offers a wonderful view of flowering shrubs and trees in spring, which colour the surrounding landscape with diverse shades. Sunshine days turn into mild evenings, contributing to a romantic atmosphere. It is advisable to equip yourself with warm clothes for a cooler morning and evening, while short gloves or umbrellas may be needed at noon due to sudden rain. The best time to visit is usually afternoon when the crowd shrinks and you can enjoy a quiet view of the chapel.
Summer: Summer in Vintířov brings long sunny days and a warm atmosphere that is ideal for walking around historical monuments. The chapel can become a place with a higher rush of tourists, so we recommend arriving in early mornings or evenings when it is quieter and the temperature is more tolerable. On your journey, do not overlook your protective sunglasses and short gloves to help you to protect your skin from UV radiation. This season it is also possible to look at flowering lawns and green meadows around the chapel.
Autumn: The autumn visit of the chapel of Our Lady of the Helpers offers a colorful appearance of leafy trees, which are coloured in yellow and red shades before the changing colours. The atmosphere is calm and slightly cold, creating ideal conditions for relaxing and admiring nature. Hot clothes are recommended with the possibility to zoom in on gloves or jacket because morning and evening can be colder. The best time to visit is usually at noon, when autumn sun still feels warm.
Winter: Winter Vintířov offers the Chapel of Our Lady of Aid in an atmosphere covered with snow and ice, which adds magic and peace to the place. Lighting is often a special supplement, when the chapel becomes the center of attention in the night landscape. Hot clothes, including jackets, gloves and shoes suitable for snow ground, are essential. The chapel may be open for a shorter time, so make sure of the current times before the visit. The best time to visit is at noon, when the sun stands above the sky and you can enjoy the cool air without the risk of freezing.
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: Salim2 / CC BY-SA 3.0 — 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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