Chapel of Bezděz Castle, église tchèque
The Chapel of Bezděz Castle is a small 13th-century building with Gothic design featuring a single nave with cross vaults above. Light enters through tall pointed windows, and the interior holds decorative paintings of saints and the Virgin Mary added in the early 18th century, along with a special royal seating area for ceremonies.
The chapel was built in the 13th century as one of the oldest structures of the castle, serving as a religious space from its founding. In the 17th century, Benedictine monks were stationed there and introduced the Black Madonna copy, transforming it into an important pilgrimage destination.
The chapel was originally dedicated to the Archangel Michael and served as a place of worship for castle residents over many centuries. A copy of the Black Madonna from Montserrat was placed here in the 17th century, which drew regular pilgrims seeking blessings and spiritual help.
The chapel is typically included in castle tours and requires a moderate walk across the grounds with some steps. The interior is dim and cool, so appropriate clothing is recommended and visitors should allow time to examine the stone details and carvings.
The chapel has an unusual double gallery with two levels that visitors can walk around, which is rare for buildings from this time period. This design allowed royal officials to observe ceremonies from different vantage points.
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