Loreta

Loreta is a Baroque chapel in Kosmonosy with a rectangular footprint, four entrances, and a flat roof measuring roughly 14 by 9.5 meters. Large windows flood the interior with light, illuminating the stone altar and the devotional spaces where visitors gather to pray.

Count Herman Cernin commissioned architect Giovanni Battista Alliprandi to build this chapel starting in 1704, with construction completed by 1707. The building replaced an older wooden church, marking a shift toward more permanent and elaborate religious structures in the area.

Inside, painted scenes from the Virgin Mary's life decorate the walls and create separate zones for clergy and worshippers. The wooden altar houses the Black Madonna statue, which serves as the focal point of prayer and devotion within the chapel.

The chapel is open to visitors from April through October, with guided tours available on weekends to explain architectural details and religious artworks. Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds around the chapel can be explored and feature additional sculptures and carvings throughout the site.

Surrounding the chapel stand statues of prophets and ancient Sibyls, blending classical and religious traditions. The arcades also feature works by local sculptor Jelinek, who immortalized members of his own family in stone within the colonnade.