Loretokapelle, Baroque chapel in Rumburk, Czech Republic.
The Loretokapelle, or Rumburk Loreto, is a sandstone replica of the Holy House of Loreto, built 1704–1707 by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt for Prince Anton Florian of Liechtenstein. Its exterior carries ten sandstone statues of sibyls and prophets by Franz Biener of Schirgiswalde, with reliefs of the Annunciation, the Visitation and the census at Bethlehem. A cloister with a Holy Staircase and Stations of the Cross was added around it in 1743–1749.
The chapel was built from 1704 to 1707 by builder Jan Lukas Hildebrandt for Prince Anton Florian of Liechtenstein, and the foundation stone was laid by Jaroslav Ignác of Šternberk, bishop of Litoměřice. Unlike its marble model in Loreto, Italy, it is entirely of sandstone. The Black Madonna made in Rome in 1694 was carried into the chapel on 15 September 1707.
The chapel serves as a pilgrimage destination dedicated to Mary, centered around a wooden Black Madonna statue from 1694 that believers credit with healing powers. Visitors come to pray before this figure, which became the focus of local religious devotion.
The chapel is open Tuesday through Saturday with guided tours available to explain the pilgrimage complex. Checking tour availability beforehand is helpful since they provide better understanding of the site and its different areas.
The chapel's small tower held a carillon installed in 1771; once it fell into disrepair, it was sold to Saxony. The sandstone statues of ten sibyls and prophets on the exterior are by Jan František Biener of Schirgiswalde, who also carved the figures on the balustrade in front of the monastery.
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