Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk, Kapelle in Tschechien
The Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk is a small religious building with a five-sided shape situated on a hill above Letohrad. Inside, five altars occupy a five-sided chamber with arcades surrounding it, and small dome-topped towers at each corner enhance the distinctive structure.
The chapel was built between 1734 and 1736 under the patronage of Count J.V. Breda. Although originally conceived as a burial place, it was never used for that purpose and instead remained a site of religious veneration for the community.
The chapel is dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk, a figure deeply rooted in local traditions and beliefs. Visitors can observe how the five-sided shape represents five stars symbolizing virtues like faith, hope, and love that are central to the saint's story.
The chapel sits atop a hill called Kopeček above the local cemetery, offering views over the surrounding fields and town. Access is via a marked trail from Letohrad toward Žampach, though the path conditions can be uneven.
The original ceiling paintings were severely damaged by moisture over time and survive only as fragments today. The five-sided architecture was never used as a burial place despite being designed for that purpose, remaining solely a prayer shrine throughout its history.
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