Chapel of Saint Florian in Kladno

In the heart of Kladno, a charming town in the Czech Republic, stands the Chapel of Saint Florian, known locally as Kaple svatého Floriána. This exquisite Baroque gem is a testament to both the town's rich history and the architectural prowess of its creators. As you stroll through the town, the chapel's striking pink and white façade, crowned with twin towers, immediately catches your eye, inviting you to explore its storied past and serene beauty.

The Origins of the Chapel

The Chapel of Saint Florian has its roots in the early 17th century. It was originally built in 1630 by Florián Jetřich of Žďár, who dedicated it to Saint Florian and Saint Elizabeth. This initial structure was a modest single-nave building with a tent roof and a small tower in the center. The only surviving relic from this original chapel is the foundational stone from 1630, now placed beneath the main altar painting of Saint Florian.

A Place of Rest During Troubled Times

Surrounding the chapel was an old cemetery, established during a plague epidemic in 1679. This cemetery became the primary burial ground for Kladno and its surrounding areas after Emperor Joseph II prohibited burials within city walls in 1784. The cemetery remained in use until 1831, when a new cemetery was established. Artifacts like a Baroque Benedictine cross and other sacred items found near the chapel are reminders of its historical role as a place of rest during those difficult times.

The Dientzenhofer Legacy

In 1751, under the patronage of Abbot Benno Löbl of the Břevnov and Broumov monasteries, the foundation stone for a new chapel was laid. The renowned architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer designed this new structure, but both he and Abbot Löbl passed away later that year, leaving the project incomplete. Despite these setbacks, the construction continued, albeit slowly, and the chapel was finally consecrated on May 5, 1872, by Abbot Jan Nepomuk Rotter in a grand ceremony attended by many, including notable local figures such as the patriotic priest and writer Václav Štulc.

Architectural Marvel

The Chapel of Saint Florian is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Its central cross-shaped layout is accentuated by a concave main façade flanked by two diagonally positioned towers. The nave is crowned with a dome supported by pendentives, and the apses of the cross-shaped layout are topped with sections resembling partial conches. The exterior is adorned with pairs of pilasters with elaborate capitals, supporting a substantial entablature with a richly profiled cornice. The architectural elegance is further enhanced by casement windows that lighten the façade's tectonic structure.

Interior Splendor

Inside, the chapel's ceiling features stucco mirrors hinting at the intended fresco decorations that were never realized. The interior, though not equipped with Baroque furnishings, still exudes a serene and sacred atmosphere. The chapel's roof is crowned with a gilded cross of Saint Benedict, a traditional symbol of Benedictine monasteries and churches.

The Kandler Paintings

Among the chapel's notable features are three paintings by Vilém Kandler from 1872. The main altar painting depicts Saint Florian with his characteristic attribute, a bucket of water. In the side apses, you will find paintings of Saint Benedict and Saint Procopius. Saint Benedict is portrayed holding his rule, emphasizing the importance of the cross in combating sin, symbolized by a serpent underfoot. Saint Procopius is depicted by the Sázava River, with the Sázava Monastery in the background, and his attributes include a plough and an open book of Saint Benedict's Rule, highlighting his monastic life.

A Symbol of Endurance

The Chapel of Saint Florian has undergone several restorations over the centuries, including significant repairs in 1910 and a major renovation after 1969. The most recent restoration, completed in 2006 by the ATIKA stucco association, ensured the preservation of the chapel's exquisite roof and façade.

Visiting the Chapel

Today, the Chapel of Saint Florian is under the spiritual care of the Roman Catholic parish at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Kladno. It stands as a symbol of the town's enduring faith and artistic heritage. A visit to this beautiful chapel offers not only a glimpse into Kladno's rich history but also a moment of peace and reflection amidst its Baroque splendor. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil spot, the Chapel of Saint Florian in Kladno is a must-see destination.