kaple svatého Eliáše Chapel
The chapel of St. Elias is located on the Malá Strana in Vojanova orchards in Prague and is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. This is an extraordinary work of early Baroque architecture - building in the form of an artificial grotty.
The chapel was built between 1660 and 1670 in the garden of the monastery of barefoot carmelites, a order dedicated to the contemplative way of life. It was dedicated to St. Elias, patron saint of the Carmelite Order. The choice of grotty as an architectural form corresponded to the baroque fashion that fascinated the natural creation and its hidden beauty.
The layout of the chapel is the shape of a Latin cross. The facade is decorated with artificial scrapers and small figures of animals - frogs and snakes. Above the baroque profiled entrance is an emblem of the Carmelite Order, in which the Emperor's eagle returns with a golden fleece, symbolizing spiritual authority.
The interior is a composition of natural elements and religious symbolism. The walls and vaults cover stucco scrapers with natural stones, mussels, mirrors and coloured glass. Five wall paintings on the vault depicts the story of St. Elias - his stay in the desert, the resurrection of the widow's son in Sarepta, the sacrifice on Carmel, the ride on a fire cart and the handover of his cloak. The motifs come from the Old Testament (1st and 2nd Royal Books). Part of the decoration is the allegory of the Death of Souls and Purgatory.
The original equipment of the chapel was an altar with a statue of St. Elias and a statue of St. Joseph by Baroque sculptor Matthew Václav Jäckel, who is now in the National Gallery. Today the chapel is without internal equipment.
In 2013 the chapel graduated from a complex restaurant where stucco stalks were restored on the facade, a sign with eagle and zoomorphic decoration, which was for a long time hardly recognizable. The restaurant returned the lost shine to the building and allowed visitors to fully appreciate the wealth of the original baroque imagination.
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
- 1660-1670
- The creation of a chapel in the form of an artificial grotty in the garden of the Carmelite monastery
- 2013
- Complex restaurant chapel and restoration of its baroque decoration
Architectural development
The chapel was built as a grotto with a Latin ground plan. The interior decoration includes stucco scrapers, natural stones and wall paintings. Reconstruction in 2013 has restored many details such as stucco scrapers and zoomorphic decoration.
Historical events
- 1660-1670
- Position kaple svatého Eliáše.
- 2013
- Complete reconstruction of the chapel.
Owners
The Royal Chamber
Points of interest
- The chapel of St. Elias is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. - This is an extraordinary work of early Baroque architecture - building in the form of an artificial grotty. - The chapel was dedicated to St. Elias, patron saint of the Carmelite Order. - The facade of the chapel is decorated with artificial scrapers and small figures of animals - frogs and snakes. - In 2013 the chapel graduated from a complex restaurant where stucco stalks were restored on the facade, a sign with eagle and zoomorphic decoration.
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.
The Chapel of Saint Elijah is located in Vojanovy Garden on Prague's Lesser Town and is protected as a cultural monument. It was created between sixteen sixty and sixteen seventy in the garden of a former convent of the Discalced Carmelites. This is not an ordinary chapel, but a grotto, that is to say a building that imitates a cave.
The chapel's floor plan approximates the shape of a Latin cross. The façade is decorated with imitations of stalactites and figurines of animals, among them a frog and a snake. Above the early Baroque profiled entrance is a variant of the Carmelite order's coat of arms, supported by an imperial eagle with the Golden Fleece.
The cave-like impression continues inside. The interior decoration uses stucco stalactites, natural stones, shells, small mirrors and pieces of coloured glass.
On the vault are five frescoes from the life of the prophet Elijah, patron of the Carmelite order. They depict Elijah in the desert and Elijah raising the widow's son in Zarephath. Further, Elijah's sacrifice on Mount Carmel, Elijah on the fiery chariot and Elijah with his mantle. The account of the prophet's life can be found in the Old Testament, in the First Book of Kings, and partly also in the Second Book of Kings. In addition, there are depicted the Resurrection of Souls and Purgatory.
Originally, the chapel contained an altar with a statue of Saint Elijah. There was also a statue of Saint Joseph by Baroque sculptor Matouš Václav Jäckel, which is now in the National Gallery in Prague. In twenty twenty-three, the chapel had no interior furnishings.
In twenty thirteen, the chapel underwent complete restoration. Restored were, among other things, the stucco stalactites on the façade, the coat of arms with the eagle and the animal decorations of the façade, which had previously been barely discernible.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit kaple svatého Eliáše is an early afternoon when lighting is ideal for understanding the details of stucco decoration. This time also offers a quieter environment without large crowds of tourists.
The nearest metro station is Malostransky or National Theatre, which are easily accessible from city buses and trams.
When you visit the chapel, you remember the appropriate clothes because it's a temple. We also recommend wearing a hat or sunglasses for sun protection, especially in summer.
For photography kaple svatého Eliáše are the best places inside where it is possible to capture rich stucco decoration. The best light for the photo will be an early afternoon when the sun lights the interior elegantly.
In the immediate vicinity of the chapel it is possible to visit a small garden of Vojanova orchards, which offers a quiet space for relaxation. Further you can leave in a few minutes to other attractions on the Lesser Side.
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: Malá Strana, Hlavní město Praha. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument. It is protected as part of a larger listed ensemble.
For kids
Hello, young adventurers! Today we will go back in time and discover hidden treasure in the middle of Prague - the chapel of St. Elias. This chapel stands as the mysterious spirit of the past among the green Vojano orchards on the Little Side, and prepare for an adventure full of baroque happiness!
Businesses nearby
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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 surrounding landscape is made up of forests and forests. Another monument is Karlstejn Chateau.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
1. Exterior of kaple svatého Eliáše, architecture: The tour of the exterior facade allows to appreciate aesthetics and details of the construction. 2. Interior of the kaple svatého Eliáše, sacral space: The inner space offers silence and the possibility of thinking about religious evolution. 3. Area kaple svatého Eliáše, surrounding area: The immediate surrounding of the monument provides a quiet place for a short rest.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: The chapel of St. Elias in the spring season offers visitors a stunning view of the flowering gardens and surrounding nature, which awakens from the snow breath. The sunny days create ideal lighting for photo and walks around the monument. It is advisable to visit the chapel at the beginning or end of the spring season when there are fewer visitors compared to sunny Tuesdays and Fridays in the main summer season. It is recommended to wear playback clothes because the temperature can be medium and the morning and evening is colder.
Summer: The kaple svatého Eliáše summer offers visitors an unforgettable atmosphere full of sunny dazzling and green benches in surrounding orchards. Summer is an ideal time for long tours, but it is necessary to prepare for possible crowds, especially in mid and late flight. It is recommended to visit the chapel early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peaks of attendance. Don't forget to wear sun protection and plenty of drinking water.
Autumn: The autumn season brings the chapel of St. Elias into the golden light, when the leaves of the trees draw different shades. This season is ideal for a quiet walk and taking beautiful photos at a pleasant temperature. Visit the chapel at the beginning or end of autumn when there are fewer visitors compared to the middle period until the holiday season. It is recommended to wear layered clothes because the temperature during the day can be pleasant while the evening is colder.
Winter: Winter visit kaple svatého Eliáše offers a unique atmosphere with the possibility to see it in snow costume or during January nights. The lighting is often enhanced, which contributes to a romantic and calm feeling. The chapel has shorter opening times, therefore it is recommended to visit it at noon when the best lighting is. In the winter, remember the warm clothes, the shoes with the antelope and the protection against impact by cold air.
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: Octopus moldavicus / CC BY-SA 3.0, 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.
Location on the map
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