Chapel of St. Catherine, Gothic castle chapel in Karlštejn, Czech Republic
The Chapel of St. Catherine sits inside the Marian Tower of Karlstein Castle and displays Gothic architecture with stone vaults and medieval artwork on the walls. The interior is relatively small and contains an altar, windows, and painted decorations from different periods.
Construction of the chapel began around 1348 when Emperor Charles IV built Karlstein Castle as a fortress and treasury. It was designed to protect religious relics and objects of great importance to the empire.
The chapel functions as a space where visitors see religious artworks created in the Middle Ages, reflecting its ongoing spiritual importance. The decoration honors St. Catherine, whose name the chapel bears.
Access to the chapel is only possible through guided tours of the castle organized by castle staff. Visitors should check if tours are available on their planned visit date and wear proper shoes for climbing stairs.
The chapel was not just a prayer space but also a vault where significant relics and imperial regalia were stored. This dual purpose made it one of the castle's most important locations for both power and faith.
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