Kaple svatého Jana Sarkandra, Chapel on Michalské návrší, Olomouc, Czech Republic
Saint John Sarkander Chapel is a two-story building in Olomouc distinguished by a distinctive dome with a lantern that crowns its cylindrical structure. This architectural feature allows natural light to enter the prayer space below, illuminating the interior.
A city prison and torture chamber stood here, where Jan Sarkander was tortured in 1620; he died that same year. A chapel was built on the site in 1672–1673, rebuilt in Baroque form in 1721–1724 by Jan Jakub Kniebandl, and replaced by the present Neo-Baroque chapel in 1908–1912, designed by Eduard Sochor and consecrated by Archbishop Bauer.
The chapel's name recalls Jan Sarkander, canonised on 21 May 1995; a fountain called Pramen živé vody sv. Jana Sarkandra, carved by Otmar Oliva, was placed in front of it in 2007 for that anniversary. Inside, frescoes by Jano Köhler show scenes of his life, and a Latin inscription around the walls refers to his victory over suffering.
The chapel stands on Michalské návrší at the corner of Na hradě and Mahlerova streets, reached from Mahlerova by a double-arm stone staircase; a statue of St John Nepomuk stands by the stairs. The courtyard between the chapel and the Sarkandrina building is closed on the east by a metal gate. The lower chapel holds the original rack and well.
The chapel floor features a circular opening that reveals the underground prison chamber with original torture instruments from Sarkander's time. This design creates a direct connection between the prayer space above and the place of suffering below.
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