Search
Map
Panorama
Smoke-Free
+420 355 321 171
Map
Panorama
Smoke-Free
Medical Tourism
Events CalendarRestaurantsShopsServicesSmartGuide AppKarlovy VARY REGION CARD
Events CalendarTickets Karlovy Vary
About UsFor MediaContacts

Info center

Contacts
Religious buidings

"U Obrazu" (By the Picture) Chapel

Small Pseudo-Gothic niche chapel

Location: In the spa woods at the crossroads known as "U Obrazu" (By the Picture) located west of the centre of Karlovy Vary
Period of construction: 1900
Architect: Unknown
Official opening: 24 July 1900
Accessibility: Freely accessible

How to get there

Route 1:        You may reach the chapel by taking an approximately 3.4 kilometre long walk along Cesta Přátelství (Friendship Path), which leads up the blue-marked tourist path from Grandhotel Pupp in the centre of Karlovy via the Diana Observation Tower and through the charming spa woods. You may shorten your walk by taking the funicular to the Diana Observation Tower.

Route 2:        If you decide for the second route, travel by Bus No. 6 to the terminal stop in Doubí. From there, walk approximately 2 kilometres up the blue-marked tourist path to the former Saint Linhart Café and continue another kilometre along Cesta Přátelství (Friendship Path) to the chapel. Parking for passenger vehicles may be found in the vicinity.

History of the structure

The first picture of the Virgin Mary was installed at the crossroads of important paths leading through the woods near Karlovy Vary by local forester Benjamin Muckl in 1716. The crossroads soon became known as "U Obrazu" (By the Picture) and the unique site was maintained by generations of foresters and visitors coming to the spa woods. In 1894, the town council of Karlovy Vary ordered the building of a richly decorated alcove for excursionists in the vicinity of the holy picture. Only a year later, the long withered tree with the hanging holy picture was severely damaged by a devastating storm.

In the 1900, the provisionally modified torso of the tree with a small roof was replaced by a Pseudo-Gothic niche chapel in the shape of an altar made of white marble. The chapel was built upon the order of the family of deceased Viennese industrialist Nicolaus Dumba who had belonged among frequent spa guests. A picture of the Virgin Mary with the Hot Spring by Viennese Art Nouveau painter and sculptor Franz Matsch was placed in the niche. The chapel was consecrated on 24 July 1900. The "U Obrazu" crossroads remains a popular destination of the spa guests during their walks through the woods surrounding Karlovy Vary.

Gallery

Address

Show on map

Similar places

Places Worth Visiting
Religious buidings
Romanesque Church of Saint Linhart

Romanesque Church of Saint Linhart

The oldest ecclesiastical structure on the territory of the spa town is the originally fortified Late Romanesque Church of Saint Linhart (Saint Leonard), which was probably built around the year 1200. The decay of the church is associated with the foundation of Karlovy Vary in the nearby valley, which resulted in the gradual depopulation of the village and the diminishing importance of the whole area in the late 15th century. Since the 18th century, the church ruins have become a popular outing destination for spa guests. Archaeological research was carried out on the site of the church ruins at the end of the 20th century. The original church walls unearthed during the excavations were conserved, the surrounding terrain was landscaped, and the site was open to the public.
More
Religious buidings
Chapel of Saint Linhart

Chapel of Saint Linhart

The original niche Chapel of Saint Linhart built below the ruins of the Romanesque Church of Saint Linhart (Saint Leonard) in the late 17th century was converted into a Pseudo-Gothic chapel upon the order of Lord Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill, in 1884. The chapel with the ruins of the Romanesque church may be found at a peaceful location seated amidst the spa woods and it has become a popular destination of tourists and visitors during their outings in the surroundings of Karlovy Vary. The path known as Sovova stezka (Sova's Path) leads along the site and it continues to the newly developed relaxation area near the former Saint Linhart Café.
More
Religious buidings
Orthodox Chapel of Saint Nicholas

Orthodox Chapel of Saint Nicholas

The unique wooden Orthodox Chapel of Saint Nicholas built between the years 1999 and 2000 on a plane in front of the Aberg Lookout Tower on Doubská hora (Doubská Mountain) was financed from the private funds of Nikolai Gennadievich Stepanov. The wooden modular structure was manufactured in Russia from where it was subsequently transported and assembled directly on site. The chapel was consecrated on 16 November 2000. The chapel and the adjoining lookout tower have been closed for several years and they are not accessible to the public. Nevertheless, the picturesque chapel situated amidst the spa woods remains a popular destination of spa walks.
More