Chapel of Bezděz Castle, Castle chapel in Bezděz, Czech Republic

The Chapel of Bezděz Castle is a single-nave early Gothic chapel with two bays of cross vaults and a polygonal apse, entered through a small arcaded porch with a seven-metre pointed portal whose tympanum shows the Tree of Life. Two rows of pointed windows light the interior, which has a royal tribune on the west and sedile niches along the side walls.

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.

Above the sedile along the side walls runs a three-metre-wide wall-walk that formed part of the castle's defences; from it the guard could watch the main gate and follow services through the unglazed windows. Such galleries are rare in Bohemia but common in Burgundian chapels.