Pilgrimage Church of Saint John of Nepomuk, UNESCO World Heritage church in Žďár nad Sázavou, Czech Republic.
The Pilgrimage Church of Saint John of Nepomuk is a baroque structure featuring a distinctive octagonal plan with a central dome that defines the building's silhouette. The interior space is enriched with elaborate stucco work and painted surfaces, while mathematical proportions based on the number five govern the architectural composition throughout.
Architect Jan Santini Aichel designed and completed construction in 1719 following the proclamation of Saint John of Nepomuk's incorruptible tongue. This religious declaration transformed the location into a major pilgrimage destination and inspired the building's distinctive geometric design.
The church serves as a pilgrimage site dedicated to John of Nepomuk, a saint who holds deep significance in Czech popular devotion. Visitors can see intricate stucco work and sculptures crafted by local artisans that fill the interior with baroque detail and spiritual meaning.
The building is reachable from Prague in approximately two hours and from Brno in about one hour, offering good travel connections for visitors. Access to the interior is generally straightforward during visiting hours, and the main spaces are open to those who wish to explore.
The building was designed according to sacred geometry in which the number five permeates the entire structure, appearing in the ground plan, proportions, and orientation. This mathematical order creates subtle visual effects that visitors can notice as light moves through the windows over the course of the day.
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