Kaple svatého Kříže (Letňany) Chapel
In the outskirts of Prague's Letňan, between the streets of the Old Naves and the Hard One, lies an inconspicuous chapel between the old trees. It is not the temples of the great cathedral, but it is in this modesty that its magic and historical value lie. The chapel of the Holy Cross is a testament to the life that once took place here, and reminds the readers of the old Letňany with their original structure.
The construction was built in 1865 and replaced the wooden bell tower, which stood in the same place and was demolished in the middle of the nineteenth century. It was thus part of the transformation of local development and the course of life in this Prague location. On the night of 1991, the chapel was declared a cultural monument.
From an architectural point of view, it is a building typical of the private godliness of its time. The chapel is walled from the unwashed sandstone blocks that form its plinth. Above it rises masonry in blocks, which closes the needle roof with cast iron cross. The construction is plastered and the windows have four, which are half-circled and mounted in lysen frames. The facade is split by pilasters, which rise through the portics and carry a frieze with a ledge.
The interior of the chapel is simple and clean. The niche is hidden in the depth of the building, where it is surrounded by a rolled vault. The front entrance is framed by an arch of decorated frame. The rear entrance is protected by a steel grid which adds to the construction of dignity.
Today, the chapel can be seen as a symbol of endurance and memory. Among other buildings and in the changing environment of modern Prague remains a silent witness to the past. A visitor who runs here can feel the atmosphere of the time the chapel has saved rather than look for an unexpected architectural gem.
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
- Around 1850
- The original wooden bell tower at the chapel site, part of the local building in Letňany.
- 1865
- The stone chapel of the Holy Cross has been set up as a substitute for a broken wooden bell tower.
- half of the 19th century
- The demolition of the original wooden bell tower, which stood at the site of the chapel.
- 1991
- The chapel was declared a real cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
Architectural development
The chapel was built as a simple brick construction with classical elements such as pilasters, portics and window openings. In the interior there is a rolled arch of the niche. The construction is plastered, with sandstone blocks in a plinth and a needle roof with cast iron cross. No significant reconstructions are documented.
Historical events
- 1865
- Construction of the chapel on the site of the former wooden bell tower as part of the original summer village.
- 1991
- Registration of the chapel in the list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic.
Owners
Letňany parish
Points of interest
- The chapel of the Holy Cross was built in 1865 as a replacement for the wooden bell tower, which stood there and was demolished in the middle of the nineteenth century.
- The construction was declared a cultural monument in 1991.
- The chapel is built of unwashed sandstone blocks that make up its plinth, and has a needle roof ended with a cast iron cross.
- The interior contains a niche with a valed arch and the entrance is decorated with an arch with a frame.
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 the Holy Cross belongs to the reminders of old Letňany. It stands in the eastern part of the park between Stará náves and Tvrdého streets, in the place where the village square used to be located.
It was built in eighteen sixty-five. Before that, there stood a wooden bell tower here, which was demolished in the middle of the nineteenth century. The chapel is evidence of the original settlement of the village and has been protected as a cultural monument since nineteen ninety-one.
It is a small brick structure. The lower part is formed by a base made of unplastered sandstone blocks. Above it continues ashlar masonry, and the entire building is topped with a pyramidal roof with a cast iron cross. The chapel is plastered and has four windows ending in a semicircle, set into listel frames.
The front with the portico is decorated with pilasters, which support the frieze and cornice. The front entrance is framed by an archivolted arch. From the back side, there is a second entrance protected by a grille. Inside is a niche covered with a barrel vault.
Tips for visitors
Best time to visit the chapel of the Holy Cross is during the morning hours when there is a quiet and pleasant light. It is ideal to visit it in the summer months when the surroundings of the chapel are green and the trees in Letňany Park are in full glory. In winter, the chapel offers a peaceful atmosphere and an opportunity to explore the surrounding areas without crowds.
The chapel is available by car and public transport. If you arrive by car, you can use the nearby parking lot, which is usually available near the historical Letňan core. For up-to-date information on parking and connections, see the local information or official website. It is recommended to land near the old village, where parking is possible and where the chapel is easily accessible on foot.
When visiting the chapel, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, because the journey around the chapel and the Letňany Park is usually on the pavement and paths with a slight climb. It is also convenient to take with you a small umbrella or sunglasses because the weather can be variable. If you are planning to take pictures, don't forget the mobile charger, because some places in the area offer beautiful views and compositions.
For photography is the best time early in the morning or late in the afternoon when light is softer and creates pleasant shadows. The best places for photos are the surroundings of the chapel itself, especially from the perspective of the Old village, and also historical trees in the park Letňany. Here you can capture beautiful contrasts between old architecture and greenery.
Around the chapel of the Holy Cross there are several interesting places worth visiting during your trip. You can see the Letňany Park with its historic trees and greenery surrounding the chapel. There is also the historical core Letňan with the original building and the Old village, where there are other historical houses and monuments. These locations are easily accessible on foot and offer rich possibilities for walking and exploring.
For families with children a visit to the Holy Cross chapel is a great opportunity to explore history and nature. In Letňany Park, children can run and play among the trees while adults view the chapel and the surrounding sights. In the historical heart of Letňan, children can look at old houses and perhaps even local craftsmen who sometimes exhibit their work here. It is also recommended to bring with you small children's benches or seats so that children can relax during walks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kaple svatého Kříže (Letňany) open to the public?
Yes, the chapel is open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How do I get to the place by car / public transport?
Kaple svatého Kříže (Letňany) is available by bus No. 143 from the centre of Prague or by car, parking is possible on nearby streets.
How much is the entrance fee and is it paid on the spot?
Payment shall be made directly at the entrance to the chapel.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, the tour is suitable for all age groups, including children and seniors. The chapel has accessible staircases and uncomplicated spaces.
How long does the tour take?
The visit to the chapel takes approximately 30 minutes.
What are the opening times and booking is required?
Kaple svatého Kříže (Letňany) is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, reservation is not required.
What's interesting in the immediate vicinity?
In the immediate surroundings there is a park between the streets of the Old Vávej and the Hard, where you can relax or take a walk.
For kids
Imagine coming back 98 years... Until Praha was still a young town and people lived here in awe from the surrounding forest. And it was between these trees that stood a little church called the Holy Cross Chapel.
There were people here who lived for a living in agriculture and trade. They were peasants who tried to farm the land and produce as many crops as possible. And then there were families who were engaged in commercial transactions in nearby Prague.
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
Park between the streets of Old Vavy and Hard
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
Thematic cruise route: St. Cross Chapel and around Letňan
1. Chapel of the Holy Cross * The main goal * - The picturesque Baroque chapel from the 18th century, dedicated to the patron saint of Bohemia. Its simple but impressive architecture and quiet atmosphere in the centre of the village attract prayer and photography. The interior offers a room for rest and reflects the historical character of Letňan.
2. Park Letňany with historical trees * Nature and greenery * - Nice park surrounding the chapel where old trees are mixed with narrow paths. Ideal for a short walk, a rest from the city's excitement and observations of local flora. Several rare plant species bloom here in the summer.
3. Old village Letňan * History and folk architecture * - Original village core with original building, stone houses and picturesque streets. Here you can feel the soul of the rural environment, which has been preserved even in modern Prague. It is recommended to stop at local houses with historical details.
4. Walk around the chapel and return along the way * Movement and orientation * - Short, approximately 1.5 kilometer long circular route around the chapel and park, which connects all the above points. The road is flat, suitable for families and individuals, and offers views of the surrounding greenery and the architecture of the village.
The route is designed to explore key elements of Letňan without turning away from the site. The total length is approximately an hour to an hour and a half.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring The chapel of the Holy Cross in Letňany awakens to life in the spring in fine light, which blends through the stained glass and creates on the stone walls a game of colored reflections. The surrounding meadows and trees dress up in a green dress while in the chapel there is a quiet, meditative atmosphere, ideal for short prayers or walks along the surrounding paths. At this time nature is still undamaged by the crowd, so it is possible to enjoy peace and privacy. It is recommended to visit early in the morning when the sun shines directly into the chapel and creates a magical atmosphere. Clothes should be easy, but with the possibility to cover themselves in windy weather, as spring temperatures can be variable.
Summer In the summer months the chapel offers a pleasant shade and relief from the Prague heat, while the outdoor area attracts you to rest on benches or walks along nearby roads. The sun shines longer and more intensely so the interior of the chapel can be lit directly, which creates a pleasant but clear atmosphere. In the main summer season the chapel is visited more often, so it is advisable to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Light, breathable clothes and comfortable shoes are recommended, as temperatures can be high and walks around the surrounding nature pleasant.
Autumn Autumn brings golden and red shades to the chapel of the Holy Cross that are reflected in window windows and create a warm, intimate atmosphere in the interior. The surrounding nature turns into a mosaic of colors, while the chapel itself offers a cozy environment for a short stop. At this time the traffic may be lower, but the weather may be variable, so it is advisable to wear warmer clothes. It is recommended to visit the chapel in the morning when light still gives the interior a pleasant feel and the outdoor environment is quieter.
Winter In the winter months of the Holy Cross Chapel offers a cosy and quiet environment that is ideal for short prayers or meditation. The snow covers the surrounding meadows and trees, while the interior of the chapel is lit with mild but pleasant light, which creates a calm atmosphere. At this time the attendance rate may be lower, but the opening hours may be shortened, so it is advisable to inform yourself in advance. Hot but comfortable clothing is recommended to allow motion on snow or frozen roads. The best time to visit is in the afternoon when the sun shines directly into the chapel and creates a pleasant environment.
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: Jan Polák / 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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