zámecká kaple Ďáblice Castle / castle chapel

Welcome to the Devils. Stop for a moment, take a breath and look around you. Right now you are facing one of the most important places in this part of Prague. The Castle Chapel of the Holy Trinity and St. Wenceslas stands before you. It is a building that carries a century of history and which forms the heart of the castle itself. If you look at her, you'll notice that she's not just an ordinary chapel, but a dominant one that unites the entire castle space and makes sense. Feel the calm and stability that radiates into the surroundings.

Let us now return together in time many years back to the mid-eighteenth century. Imagine a time when the landscape around the Devils was different, and the chivalry played a much more important role in people's lives. It was during this period, in seventeen hundred and fifty-four, that it was decided to create this sacral space. The whole plan came out of the will of Grand Master Knight of the Cruisers with a red star, which was Julius František Waha at the time. The Crusaders were not only spiritual, but also landowners and guardians of tradition. It was important for them to have a place where they could seek refuge in prayer and where the Holy Trinity and our patron saint, Saint Wenceslas, would be honored. The construction progressed quickly and effectively. A year later, in seventeen-fifty-five, the chapel was completed. The ceremony was then performed by another Grand Master, Antonín Jakub Suchánek. Imagine the excitement at that time, the ringing of the bells and the people gathered together who first entered this new, radiant space.

Now, please pay attention to the architecture itself that you see before you. The chapel is performed in baroque style, which means that its shapes are dynamic and exalted. Look up on the roof. Notice its specific shape, which is the so-called Mansard roof. It's a typical element of the time that gives construction some elegance and a sense of height. And right above it you will see an onion lid, which is absolutely characteristic of Baroque sacral structures in our landscapes. This tower is not only an ornament, but symbolically shows the way to heaven. If you look carefully at the outer walls and the facade, you might notice the empty spaces where the statues once stood. These sculptures had to be married in two thousand seven years because their technical condition was too bad and would threaten the safety of visitors. Even though it's missing today, in your mind, you can imagine them as an escort who once decorated the way to the entrance.

Now, when we move our thoughts inside, a world full of colors and symbols will open up to you. The interior of the chapel is a real jewel. Note the rich decorating ceilings. The whole area is covered and decorated with beautiful frescoes. These are great paintings that tell biblical stories and remind us of spiritual truths. The Baroque art was intended to amaze a man, to create amazement and a sense of humility before divinity, and that is what has been done here. The dominating of the inner space is the main altar. It is the peak of the baroque trade where carving, gilding and religious symbolism are combined. This whole space was designed to make the visitor feel the sanctity of the place right from the first step.

With this chapel are many interesting personalities who have left their mark. In addition to the already mentioned Grand Masters Wahy and Suchanka names such as Jan Nepomucký Střech and Judita Střechová ze Starého Města pražského appear in the history of the place. They were people who influenced the fate of this estate and helped maintain its meaning. Also Ignác Raab is the name that binds to this place. Each of them brought something of their own to the Devils, whether it was financial support, administration or spiritual guidance. Thanks to them the chapel became an important element of local cultural heritage, which survived even the stormy period of modern history. In the year one thousand nine hundred sixty-six, the chapel was officially entered into the preservation register as part of the castle, which ensured that its beauty and history would be preserved for future generations.

And now I want to take you to one true mystery that hides high above your heads in the very tower of the chapel. The tower is not only an architectural element but also serves as a small archive of rare objects. The bronze medal is stored here, which is a silent witness to ancient times. But much more fascinating is the fact that there is a piece of wood from St. Wenceslas's car. Imagine how much this object is worth to believers and historians. It is a tangible connection with our most important patron, a piece of material that guided the path of St. Wenceslas. This relic gives the chapel a special aura and makes it a place where history meets legend.

But a chapel in the Devils is not just a museum piece from the past. It's a place that still lives. Even in modern times, people try to restore spiritual life here. For example, in the year two thousand and six there was a midnight mass, which attracted many people and reminded everyone that sacral buildings had a function in today's rush world. It's a place of silence, contemplation and peace in the middle of Prague suburb.

Now, if you look at this building again, you see more than walls and roofs. You see the ambition of the Grand Masters, the craftsmanship of unknown architects and the faith of people from many generations. The Baroque elegance, the Mansard roof, the onion tower with secret treasures inside and the inner space full of biblical paintings form a whole that is worth seeing through all senses.

Now I'm leaving you to look at the facade details in peace, think about the stories of the people who worked here, and maybe try to see the statues that once stood here in your mind. Walk around the castle, perceive the atmosphere of this unique place and let yourself be carried away by memories of the times of knights and grandmasters. Thank you for accompanying me on this short journey through the history of the castle chapel in the Devils. I wish you a pleasant continuation in discovering the beauty of our city. Goodbye.