Ducal Rotunda of the Virgin Mary and St Catherine, Romanesque rotunda in Znojmo, Czech Republic
The Ducal Rotunda is a circular Romanesque chapel with small windows and an eastern-facing apse set within the city's medieval fortifications. The interior space contains painted surfaces that cover the walls from floor to ceiling.
The building was constructed in the early 11th century as part of Znojmo's defensive system for the ruling Přemyslid family. In 1134 a local prince consecrated it to Saint Catherine, changing its original dedication to the Virgin Mary.
The interior walls display complete Romanesque frescoes showing Biblical scenes and saints that reveal how religious art served the spiritual life of the community. These paintings offer visitors insight into how faith was visually expressed during this period.
Access to the interior is only possible through guided visits with small groups, and entry may be limited during bad weather due to the structure's age and condition. Visitors should plan ahead and check opening arrangements before visiting this protected monument.
What sets this building apart is that its original painted decoration has survived completely intact without later overpainting, offering a rare view of artistic techniques from that era. Few medieval chapels anywhere can show such unaltered interior painting from nearly a thousand years ago.
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