A humble chapel yet a resilient survivor. That’s the Kaple svatého Gotharda in Prague. This unassuming structure boasts a history far richer than its modest appearance suggests. The Kaple svatého Gotharda stands as the sole remaining sacred building of its kind in this area of Prague. It wasn’t always so. Its origins are shrouded in some mystery. We know a church dedicated to Saint Gothard existed as early as 1313. It was likely a simple Romanesque structure. Perhaps even a rotunda. This original church stood near the old royal hunting grounds. Its location made it a frequent victim of wartime destruction. Hussite forces ravaged the area in 1420. The parish was eventually abandoned. The church fell into disrepair.
By the end of the 17th century the Kaple svatého Gotharda saw some use again. It was administered at times by the main Prague parish at the Church of the Mother of God before Tynec. The current building however is a product of the 19th century. Its construction began around 1800. The initiative came from Count František Kager ze Štampachu. He was the highest burgrave of the Bohemian Kingdom at the time. He felt the old church was insufficient. He called for a new design. The initial plan was rejected by the imperial building authorities in Vienna. They deemed it too small and the budget too low.
The budget was increased substantially. Construction began in earnest. The cornerstone of the new Kaple svatého Gotharda was laid on May 4th 1801. That’s the day before Saint Gothard’s feast day. The builder was a master mason from Podbaba named Matěj Šmaha. The architect however remains unknown to this day. The interior was crafted shortly after completion in 1801. The work was done by the Platzer workshop. It’s a unique harmony between the simple Classical style building and the ornate interior.
Gold polychromy cool blue-green surfaces and bright white statues create a striking effect. The Platzer family was highly renowned. They created many important works in churches and palaces. Their workshop even created tomb sculptures and groups. The interior of the Kaple svatého Gotharda however represents their only fully integrated church project. The church even had its own cemetery at one time. It was closed in 1888. The building itself required repairs. Josef Zobel oversaw some modifications around 1810. Further repairs were made in 1861. In 1870 a clock was added. It was a gift from the knight Adalbert Lanna. He had a villa nearby. The Kaple svatého Gotharda stands as a testament to faith perseverance and the enduring spirit of Prague. It’s a true hidden gem. A silent witness to centuries of history. A place where stories echo softly from the past. A place I hope you’ll remember long after our tour ends.