kaple svatého Dismase Chapel

The chapel of St. Dismas in Žižkov, Praha, is a historical monument, which served as a place of comfort for condemned prisoners from the Old and New Cities of Prague. Originally, the small chapel was replaced by a larger construction commissioned by Count Kazimír Ferdinand z Kupperwaldu in 1720. This baroque chapel dedicated to St. Dismas, the patron saint of penitent sinners, hosted crowds of executed prisoners and performed in religious art. Located near Vítkova Hill and the former Mountain Gate, it was an integral part of Prague's historic landscape until its demolition in 1845 to make a place for Masaryk Railway Station.

The origin of the chapel of St. Dismas dates back to the beginning of the 18th century Bohemia, a period characterized by cultural and architectural developments within the Habsburg government. The initial small chapel was replaced by a larger construction which was commissioned by Count Kazimír Ferdinand z Kupperwaldu in 1720. This new chapel reflected the baroque influences and the earl's desire to provide spiritual support to condemned prisoners. It also served as evidence of religious and cultural practices at the time when the masses held the souls of executed prisoners.

Architecturally, the chapel of St. Dismas was remarkable for its polygonal structure with a distinctive lamp designed by Joseph Daniel Huber in 1769. In the interior was placed an altar dedicated to the crucified Christ, surrounded by wooden statues of the Virgin Mary, evangelist John and Mary Magdalene. The other altars were statues of St. Peter, St. Dismas, the publicist and the prodigal son. Over time, the chapel received various gifts, including metal containers, paintings, silver chalice with a patent and liturgical clothing, which increases its religious importance.

The ownership and administration of the chapel have recorded several changes over the years. After the death of Count Kupperwaldu in 1728 his daughter, married to Count Bubna, inherited the vineyard and the patron saint of the chapel. In 1746, Barbora Kořilová established foundations for other masses, and added the chapel to the spiritual life of the community. The reforms of Josephine in 1786 led to its closure and subsequent sale in 1787 by Antonín Jan Douš, who extended it to residential and commercial premises. In 1814 he acquired the place of Antonín Krenn and transformed it into a public garden with decorative features.

The key events in the history of the chapel include transformation during Josephine's reforms and its possible demolition in 1845 to suit Masaryk Railway Station. Despite these changes, the chapel remained an important spiritual place until its destruction. St. Dismas' legacy as patron saint of penitent sinners continued to resonate with those who visited or heard of the chapel.

The original chapel of St. Dismas is no longer standing because it was replaced by Masaryk Railway Station and surrounding urban development. Its historical importance, however, persists in the collective memory of Prague's inhabitants and visitors. The site serves as a reminder of the city's rich cultural heritage and the developing landscape that has shaped it for centuries. For those interested in exploring Prague history, visiting the area around Masaryk Railway Station offers an opportunity to think about past lives and stories intertwined with this one sacred space.