"U Obrazu" (By the Picture) 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.