kaple svatého Prokopa (Praskolesy) Chapel

The chapel of St. Prokop in the village Praskolesy is a small Gothic building from the second half of the 14th century. The chapel is located on the site of the former cemetery near St. Nicholas' church. The festering of the building ended in the early 21st century when the local village initiative put it back into operation. Today the chapel is a place to explore medieval art and architecture.

The origin of the chapel dates back to the time of Charles IV, which dedicated the village Praskolesy to the Karlstejn chapter. It is believed that the chapel was built precisely for the needs of this chapter. Although the charter was not preserved, it is not excluded that the chapel was founded by one of the local priests in the 14th century. The exact origin of the construction remains covered by uncertainty.

The architecture of the chapel is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. It is a small construction with a triangular finish which preserved three gothic windows decorated with circles. From the north side leads to the chapel the original saddle Gothic portal. The triangular finish, gothic windows and the saddle portal are a typical example of 14th century Gothic.

The inside of the chapel hides the wealth of medieval artistic heritage. The most valuable elements are Gothic frescoes from the 14th century, which have long remained hidden under plaster and dirt. In the years 2005-2008, the restaurant Miroslav Slavík uncovered them. The frescoes depict scenes from the legend of St. Prokop in fourteen paintings, as well as archangel Michael and saints John the Baptist, Apoleni, Margaret and Anezka of Rome. On the wooden sill of the choir there is oil painting of twelve apostles, probably dating back to the 17th century. This year, 1743 above the paintings bear witness to the renovation of this year. When the chapel was restored, a piece of the Gothic altar was uncovered under the floor, which is now protected by a glass plate. The space in front of the altar is restored by copies of the original tiles. The depository of Prague Archbishop contains a Gothic statue of St. Prokop from the 14th century; In the chapel, visitors meet with a copy of it. The chapel also served as a tomb for the Karlstejn deans who had been living in a nearby chateau in Praskoles since 1671.

The gradual restoration of the chapel in the years 2005- 2014 took place thanks to the initiative of the local company St. Prokop and the substantial assistance of the municipal office Praskolesy. The chapel is now again used for cultural events - especially concerts and exhibitions. Traditional events took place during the weekend around the holiday of St. Prokop. If you want to see the chapel, you have to agree at the municipal office Praskolesy in advance.