kaple svatého Josefa (Zákupy) Chapel
The chapel of St. Joseph stands at the foot of the Kamenice Hill in Zakopy as a witness to the rich history that this place has been going through. It is a Baroque style, built in 1698 by Italian members of the Duke of Giano Gastone de 'Medici, who, along with his wife, Priestess Anna Maria František, owned the Preservation Manor at the time. The princess, who was a very pious person, settled here for 52 long years and had several chapels and churches built on the estate during her stay.
The location of the chapel was not random. It is built approximately in the middle of Kamenický vrch, in the perpendicular to the zachovský chateau and in a broken line with a monastery of capuchins, to which the priestess's father had previously founded. This arrangement had a baroque intention - the line of the chapel, monastery and chateau expressed the relationship between the two dominance of the estate. The chapel became part of a more complex baroque composition, which consisted of its own chapel, a cross road and several other chapels built directly above it. At the same time, a view of the monastery was opened from the chapel and further to the chateau, thus promoting the principle of the Baroque axis in both directions.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the building underwent a number of reconstructions. In 1727, a hermit was built behind the chapel with an annex behind the apside, a cellar, caves and a small stone pigsty. This hermit worked until 1782, when they had it abolished as part of the reforms of emperor Joseph II. In 1834, the original function of the chapel was abolished and the building became the property of the Austrian State. Another reconstruction took place in 1848 - part of the hermitage was demolished and a new T-shaped annex with a new roof was built for the whole complex. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, there was also a life of choice around the chapel: a inn called "Schützenhaus" was built and an annex known as "Jägerhaus.".
The communist era has brought difficult times to the chapel. The inn and the vast calvary were destroyed, the chapel's mobilizer robbed. For decades, the construction was lost, abandoned without use or care. In 2005, the chapel was sold to a private owner, which opened the way to improving its condition. Between 2015 and 2018, the building underwent a demanding and comprehensive reconstruction financed by private sources. In 2018 the chapel was declared a cultural monument.
Today, the chapel stands at an altitude of 327 metres in the upper part of Kamenický vrch. The surrounding landscape belongs geomorphologically to the training hill, which is part of the Zákupská horkatina. The premises are not accessible to ordinary visitors as they are private property. However, the visit can be arranged by contacting the Mayor of Zákup. The chapel can also be reached on a marked route - a branch of the educational path from the center of Zákup and a blue marked route from the Czech Tourist Club.
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
- 1698
- The position of St. Joseph's Chapel.
- 2018
- Declaration of the chapel for a cultural monument after renovation.
Architectural development
The chapel of St. Joseph was built in Baroque style with Italian architectural elements. After the cancellation of her function there were several reconstructions, especially in 1848, when a new extension was built behind the chapel and a new cross was installed. In the years 2015- 2018, extensive reconstruction took place, which restored the construction to its original appearance.
Historical events
- 1698
- The position of St. Joseph's Chapel.
- 1834
- Cancellation of the Chapel function and transfer of ownership to the Austrian State.
- 2018
- Declaration of the chapel for a cultural monument after renovation.
Owners
In 1698 the chapel was built under Duke Gian Gastone de' Medici's intention. After its cancellation in 1834, it became the property of the Austrian State until 2005 when it was sold to a private owner.
Points of interest
- The chapel of St. Joseph was built in 1698 by Italian members of Duke Giano Gastone de 'Medici's court. - Priestess Anna Marie Františka, a very pious person, settled on the manor Zákupy and had several chapels and churches built during her stay. - The location of the chapel was designed to express the baroque relationship between the Capuchin monastery and the chateau of the shops through the Baroque axis. - In 1834 the chapel was deprived of its religious purpose and became the property of the Austrian state. - Between 2015 and 2018 the chapel underwent a difficult reconstruction, after which it was declared a cultural monument in 2018.
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 Joseph in Zákupy is a Baroque structure from the year 1698. It stands on Kamenický Hill, roughly halfway down its slope, at an altitude of 327 meters.
At the end of the seventeenth century, the Zákupy estate belonged to Princess Anna Maria Františka, Princess of Saxe-Lauenburg, and Gian Gastone de' Medici, the youngest member of the Florentine Medici family. Their life together in Zákupy lasted only a few years. Then the Duke left for Paris and eventually to Prague. The Princess lived at Zákupy Castle for a total of fifty-two years. She was very devout and had a number of chapels, churches, and other buildings built on her estate.
The Chapel of Saint Joseph was built by Italian members of the court of Gian Gastone de' Medici. Its location was no accident. It lies on a perpendicular line to the castle and in a broken line with the Capuchin monastery, which had been founded by the Princess's father. This Baroque axis emphasized the relationship between the castle and the monastery and functioned in reverse as well. From the chapel, an impressive view opened up across the monastery to the castle. On the hilltop above the chapel, a Calvary with a Way of the Cross and several other small chapels gradually developed. Remains of three symmetrically arranged small chapels, several stone staircases, and other small structures have been preserved.
In the year 1727, a hermitage was created behind the chapel. It probably consisted of an extension behind the apse, a cellar, a cave, and a small stone shelter. The hermitage functioned until the year 1782. The hermitages were abolished by Emperor Joseph the Second.
In the year 1834, the chapel ceased to serve its purpose and became the property of the Austrian state. In the year 1848, part of the hermitage was demolished and a new extension in the shape of the letter T was built in its place. The entire complex then received a new frame and roof. In postcards from the end of the nineteenth century, this extension is called Jägerhaus. Probably in the nineteenth or early twentieth century, a tavern called Schützenhaus was added behind the chapel.
The tavern and Calvary disappeared during the communist era. In the nineteen-fifties, communist militia plundered the chapel and took its furnishings away to an unknown location. The chapel then stood empty for a long time and fell into disrepair. It belonged to the state until 2005, when a private owner purchased it together with the land and small buildings. Between 2015 and 2018, it underwent a demanding reconstruction into a residential building, which was financed from private sources. Research conducted during the reconstruction also brought new findings about the renovation from 1848. In 2018, the chapel was declared a cultural monument.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the chapel of St. Joseph in Cups is autumn or spring, where it is quieter and nature offers beautiful colors. In addition, the sun illuminates the building in a special way, creating ideal conditions for photography.
For those travelling by public transport, the place is also available from the main station Zákupy. We recommend checking the current connection in the previous search engine.
When visiting the chapel, it is advisable to take with you protective clothes and shoes because the terrain around the Kamenický hill can be unbridled. Don't forget the water and sun cream too.
The best place for photography is right at the chapel, where the lighting changes with the motion of the sun. In the morning or evening it offers ideal conditions to capture Baroque architecture in a calm light.
In the vicinity of the chapel there is a educational trail that is suitable for families with children. The length of the route is accessible and offers interesting information about nature and the history of the area.
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: Kamenický vrch 318, Zákupy, Liberecký kraj. 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 (register no. 106296).
For kids
Hello, little adventurers! Today we are on our way back in time, approximately 328 years old, when the magnificent chapel of St. Joseph was created. Her door is open in Cups, along the steep hill of Kamenický, and they're preparing for a new chapter in history.
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 the Kamenice Hill, which belongs to the Practician hill and Zákupská hill. In the area there is a educational trail and a blue marked route.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
Affiliate link: if you buy from the partner, we may receive a commission. The price for you does not change.
Search tours and activities →Themed route
Thematic cruise route from St. Joseph's Chapel (Zákupy)
1. St. Joseph's Chapel - Type: Religious monument - Why is it worth visiting: This chapel, located on the Kamenice Hill, is an important architectural and spiritual monument. Its history and beautiful surroundings offer views of the Practician hill and Pot Hill, making it an ideal place to relax and consider.
2. Educational Path - Type: National trail - Why is it worth visiting: This trail leads around the Kamenický hill, where the chapel of St. Joseph is located. It offers interesting information about nature and the history of the area, which is ideal for families with children or all interested in learning more about the surrounding environment.
3. Blue marked route of KCT - Type: Cyclotrase - Why is it worth a visit: This route is part of a whole-Republic network of blue cycling trails that combine various natural and cultural monuments. The traveller can explore the surrounding landscape on the bike, which is an ideal way to immerse himself in the quiet environment of the Exercise Hill and Pot Hill.
This route offers a combination of spiritual peace, nature learning and active experience on the bike path.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring brings fresh energy and awakening nature around the chapel, which complements the architecture of the building. Soft spring light creates pleasant conditions for observing details. It is advisable to prepare layered clothes because the morning cold may be accompanied by a sudden heat surge. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the surroundings are quietest.
In the summer months, the atmosphere is full of sun and rich green, which surrounds the place. Due to longer days and higher temperatures, it is ideal to arrive early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and heat. We recommend choosing light and breathable clothes and not forgetting to protect against sunlight.
The autumn season is characterized by golden shades of leaves and often by mysterious morning fog, which deliver a chapel of melancholy. The light is low at this time and very interesting for photography. It is advisable to carry a warmer jacket and solid shoes in case of wet road surface.
The cold of the chapel is covered in silence and snow, which creates a very noble and peaceful atmosphere. During this period the days are shorter and the weather can be freezing, so you must take very warm clothes and accessories.
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.
Tips from visitors
No tips yet. Be the first!
Log in and add your tip.
Sources and literature
Photos: Zákupák / Public domain — 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
Příběhy a pověsti
Legendy, pověsti a příběhy spjaté s touto památkou
Fotografie návštěvníků
Zatím žádné fotografie. Buďte první, kdo přidá fotografii z návštěvy!
Log in a přidejte svou fotografii nebo hodnoťte.
Za ověřenou návštěvu v aplikaci získáte víc bodů — poznáme podle GPS, že jste na místě.
Reviews and comments