Kaple svatého Jana Nepomuckého u Horní brány Chapel
The Chapel of St. John Nepomuk is located in Prachatice at the intersection of three streets - Salt, Chateau and Golden Trail - in the direct vicinity of the Chapel of St. Anthony of Paduan. Both buildings guard the entrance to the medieval fortification of the city in the forefront of the so-called Upper Gate, also known as the Gate of Pasovská. Their position is not random; They stood here as victorious monsters of faith for travelers who returned to the city or abandoned it.
The chapel established in the first half of the 18th century is one of the leading examples of local Baroque architecture. Her bodyguard is St. John Nepomuk, patron saint of bridges, water and pilgrims - a private who, according to tradition, was the victim of persecution because of his loyalty to the confessional secret. His popularity in Czech became widespread especially in the 18th century, which is why the chapel was built.
The architecture of the chapel speaks of the years of the mature concept of the Baroque. The building has a square plan with elegantly sealed entrance. The facade is divided by a pair of pilasters on both sides, which creates the impression of grandeur. The upper part of the chapel is a shield with elegant volutes that rises above a recessed ledge. The centre of the shield occupies a stucco frame with a picture of Jan Nepomuk himself - a spiritual and literary part of the building at the same time. Part of the chapel is a semicircular niche which lights the inner space; is ended with a stylized condom and protected by a decorative metal grate, which also represents respect for the sanctity of the place.
Today the chapel stands as a silent witness for centuries. Its modest size and rich decoration show that the local believers, the patron saint of all passengers, respected and gave it adequate honor. When walking the historic Prachaticemi is a mandatory stop for anyone who wants to understand the religious life of the Czech Republic in the Baroque era.
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
- 1750
- The establishment of the chapel of St. John Nepomuk in Prachatice as a Baroque building.
- Around 1350- 1400
- The position of the Upper Gate (Gate of Pasovská) as part of the medieval Prachatic fortification.
- 17th century (more precisely the first half)
- Extension of the cult of St. John Nepomuk in Czech countries, affecting the construction of chapel.
- 18th Century
- The creation of Baroque architecture in Czech countries, affecting the style of the chapel.
Architectural development
The chapel was built in the first half of the 18th century in pure Baroque style. The original construction included a square plan with a sealed entrance and a valb roof covered with bags. The facade was highlighted by pilasters and a shield with volutes typical of Baroque architecture. The interior decoration included a semi-circular niche with a metal grate and stucco frame for the statue of St. John Nepomuk.
Historical events
- 18th Century
- The creation of the chapel as part of the Baroque urban and sacral decoration of Prachatic at the time of the development of pilgrimage activity.
Points of interest
- The chapel of St. John Nepomuk stands at the crossroads of three streets - Salt, Hradec and Golden Trail - and guards the entrance to the medieval fortification of the city near the Upper Gate, also known as the Gate of Pasovská.
- It was built in the first half of the 18th century as an important example of Baroque architecture in Prachatice.
- It is dedicated to Saint Jan Nepomuk, patron saint of passengers, bridges and water, whose popularity in Czech countries has increased in this century.
- The facade of the chapel is divided by Pillasters and decorated with a stucco frame with a picture of St. John Nepomucký.
- The inner space of the chapel lights up a semi-circular niche with a condom and protected by a decorative metal grate.
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 John of Nepomuk stands in Prachatice at the intersection of Solní Street, Hradební Street, and Zlatá stezka. It is located in the outer approaches of the former Upper Gate, which was also called Pasovská. Not far from here stands another chapel, the Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua.
The chapel was built in the first half of the eighteenth century. It is a small structure with a square floor plan and a vaulted entrance. Inside there is a semicircular niche, vaulted with a conch, that is, a vault in the shape of half a dome. The niche is closed off by a decorative metal grille.
The facade is Baroque. On both sides it is divided by pilasters, flat columns protruding from the wall. Above a projecting cornice rises a gable with volutes, that is, ornaments curled in the shape of a spiral. In the middle of the gable there emerges a stucco frame, and in it is depicted Saint John of Nepomuk, to whom the chapel is dedicated.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit is from 9:00 to 17:00, when the chapel is open and you can see its interior and exterior. Since it is a small memory, we recommend visiting it during working days to avoid sparkling operation.
For kids
Imagine going back 276 years to when the Prachatic Top Gate was the city's main center. It was an epoch full of life, work and fun. The chapel of St. John Nepomuk was not yet built, but people lived here, worked and loved.
It was like a small town with narrow streets and houses with wooden roofs. People gathered in the square where markets and fun events took place. There were forests and fields all around where grain and fruit trees were grown.
Businesses nearby
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Nearby
- Another Baroque chapel that complements the sacral ensemble at the former gate.
- Gothic-Renaissance chateau with rich history, dominant city.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
1.Kaple svatého Jana Nepomuckého u Horní brány * Sacral landmark * - Unique Baroque Chapel at the site of the former city gate, associated with the legend of the miraculous rescue of Prachatice from the plague. Its picturesque location in the middle of the city and historical importance make it a necessary stop.
2. St. Anthony's Chapel * Baroque chapel * - Close adjacent sacral structure, which together with the chapel of St. John form a harmonious set. Its simple but charming architecture complements the atmosphere of the historical core.
3. Money Chateau * Gothic-Renaissance Fortress * - A city dominance with a rich history that offers a view of the surrounding landscape. Its strategic location and preserved architecture provide a deeper understanding of Prachatice's history.
* The route is designed as a short circuit in the center of Prachatice II, where sacral monuments and chateau complement each other. *
Seasonal recommendations
Spring St. John Nepomuk's Chapel offers a special quiet atmosphere, where the surroundings are dressed in green and sunlight illuminates the walls of the chapel with fine shadows. At this time there is also a rare possibility to observe the first flowers and green leaves that bring to the place natural poetry. The inner light of the chapel becomes even more intense when the sun returning from winter silence becomes a source of warmth and joy.
It is practically appropriate to come early in the morning before visitors begin to accumulate. Suitable clothes should be light but still warm, because even in spring days it can be cold. It is also recommended to take a small piece of tea or coffee with you, because in the chapel there is a chance to relax and enjoy the peace. The best time to visit is the prehistoric hour, where there are fewer people and nature still full of energy.
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Summer In the main summer season, the chapel is surrounded by full life, where the surrounding area boils and the warm sun creates pleasant lighting. The inner space of the chapel becomes warmer and more pleasant, thanks to the sunlight that penetrates the glass elements. At this time there is also a chance to enjoy the cooler air, which may be pleasant for visitors who wish to relax from the hot weather.
It's practically appropriate to come to the preseason classes to avoid crowds. It is recommended to wear light but durable clothing that protects well from sunlight. It is also advisable to bring with you a small basket of water and light refreshments, because there is no possibility in the chapel to buy something on the way. The best time to visit is between 9 and 12 o'clock when there are fewer people and nature is full of energy.
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Autumn Autumn brings the chapel a special atmosphere where the surrounding area is surrounded by a golden shine of leaves and the warm sun begins to disappear. The inner light of the chapel becomes softer thanks to the slow transition of daylight. At this time there is an opportunity to enjoy the pleasant warmth and calm that brings autumn air.
It is practically advisable to come at a time when it is still warm out, but not too hot. It is recommended to wear warm clothes with a light layer that protects against cold autumn air. It is also convenient to take with you some hot drinks such as tea or coffee that can be pleasant after a visit. The best time to visit is in the afternoon when there is a pleasant temperature outside and the chapel is less visited.
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
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Sources and literature
Photos: Isolda11 / 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.
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