Location: In a saddle below Výšina přátelství (Friendship Height) southwest above the centre of Karlovy Vary
Period of construction: 1900
Architect: Unknown
Official opening: 1900
Accessibility: Not accessible
How to get there
Route 1: A number of tourist paths lead to the popular crossroads in the middle of the spa woods. You may reach the chapel by a 1.8 kilometre long and rather challenging route that leads along the yellow-marked tourist path from Poštovní dvůr (Postal Court) via the Lookout of Charles IV.
Route 2: If you decide for the second route, take the funicular to the Diana Observation Tower and get off at the Jelení skok (Deer Jump) station. From there, it is only a 440-metre long pleasant walk up the yellow-marked tourist path from the other side to the crossroads below the Diana Observation Tower.
History of the structure
A Baroque chapel known as Ecce Homo or the Forest Chapel had stood by the popular forest path crossroads in the saddle below Výšina přátelství (Friendship Height). In 1900, it was replaced by a Pseudo-Gothic fair-faced brickwork chapel. Later, a wooden arbour for excursionists known as Chopinova chata (Chopin's Cabin) was erected nearby and a stone bench named Aranova lavice (Arany's Bench) in honour of Hungarian poet Arany who had often visited the site was built in 1906.
The Ecce Homo Chapel and the adjoining arbour underwent extensive reconstruction in the late 20th century. The important crossroads seated amidst the serene spa woods surrounding Karlovy Vary has once again become a popular destination of excursionists and tourists. Various tourist paths will take you from the chapel to, for example, the Diana Observation Tower or to the Lookout of Charles IV.
Location
Ecce Homo Chapel
