Chapel of Saint Linhart

Location: In the spa woods southwest of the centre of Karlovy Vary
Period of construction: Late 17^th century
Period of reconstruction: 1838 and 1884
Architect: Unknown
Official opening: Late 17^th century
Accessibility: Not accessible

How to get there

Route 1: You may reach the chapel by taking an approximately 4 kilometre long walk through the picturesque spa woods from the centre of Karlovy Vary. Walk up the street from the Hot Spring to Zámecký vrch (Castle Hill) and to the crossroads by the Chapel of Saint Anne. From there, continue along Sovova stezka (Sova's Path).

Route 2: If you decide for the second route, travel by Bus No. 6 to the terminal stop in Doubí. From there, walk 2.5 km up the blue-marked tourist path that leads by the former Saint Linhart Café and continues along Sova's Path to the chapel. Parking for passenger vehicles may be found in the vicinity.

History of the structure

During the boom of balneology in the late 17^th century that brought about the widening of the network of walking routes in the wider surroundings of Karlovy Vary, a Baroque niche chapel was built below the ruins of the Romanesque Church of Saint Linhart (Saint Leonard). In 1838, Lady Emily Russell, wife of British diplomat Lord Odo Russell,funded the conversion of the niche Chapel of Saint Linhart into a Classicist chapel. In 1884, the chapel was reconstructed in Pseudo-Gothic style upon the order of her son, Arthur Oliver Russell, 2^nd Baron Ampthill.

The chapel and the church ruins near Sovova stezka (Sova's Path) gradually became a frequent stop of spa guests on their way to the former Saint Linhart excursionist café. A pillar pergola with benches used to stand next to the chapel. To this day, the peaceful site seated amidst the spa woods remains a popular destination of outings, as well as a resting place for the inhabitants and visitors of Karlovy Vary.