Church of Holy Trinity, Cemetery church in Slaný, Czech Republic
The Church of Holy Trinity is a building in Slaný with Renaissance features and early Baroque modifications, including a bell tower and decorated interior spaces. The connected monastery complex contains multiple structures, courtyards, and a refectory with historical wall paintings.
Built in 1581–1602 as a Protestant church by Master Volf and the Italian J. Maceta, on a site outside the walls called Golgotha, earlier an execution ground. Devastated by troops in 1623, it was restored in 1657, when Bernard Ignác Bořita of Martinic founded the Loretto Chapel inside it. A monastery was added in 1655–1662 for the Franciscans; a 1665 fire brought down one tower, and the nave was then widened, probably to a plan by Domenico Orsi.
The site's name comes from its dedication to the Holy Trinity, and the Loreto Chapel inside was founded in 1657 by Bernard Ignác Count Bořita z Martinic, who asked that part of his heart be buried beneath it. Franciscans lived here until the monastery was forcibly closed in 1950; in 1995 they gave it to the Discalced Carmelites, who reside here today.
The church and monastery stand in a park within the cemetery grounds on Hlaváčkově náměstí, north of the town centre, so the walk from the centre is uphill. The monastery has housed the Discalced Carmelites since 1995, so parts of the complex are closed to visitors.
The organ built by Antonín Reiss in 1776 survives only in fragmentary form, yet it is unusual because it was built into the main altar rather than placed on a gallery. Look for the instrument within the altar structure.
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