The Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk

In the year 1994, another architectural gem was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List – the pilgrimage church of St John of Nepomuk. It was built on Zelená Hora in Žďár nad Sázavou at the beginning of 1720’s by J.B. Santini. It was built in Baroque Gothic style. The architect managed to join Baroque and Gothic features together.

Why was the church built in this place? The local Cistercian monastery wanted to celebrate the memory of John of Nepomuk who was tortured and pushed from the Charles Bridge to the Vltava river.

According a legend, a little crown of five stars appeared above his dead body. Number five is the main symbol of the building and can be seen almost in every part of the building. The floor plan is in the shape of a pentacle. There are five chapels and five exits.

On the main altar we can find five angels. The angels were made by Chrudim sculptor Jan Pavel Čechpauer.

A tongue is another symbol of the church. It commemorates how John of Nepomuk did not break the confessional secret.

If you are interested in this church, you can visit it during the whole year. From May to September it is opened every day (except for Monday) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From October to April you can come at the weekends and on bank holidays but you have to book in advance.