Nineteenth chapel whispers. It stands as a testament to the Hájková pilgrimage route, a path of faith connecting Prague’s Loreto to the Franciscan monastery in Hájku. I. kaple poutní cesty Loreta – Hájek, the first of twenty wayside shrines, invites you to step back in time.
The Hájková pilgrimage route, also known as the Hájek Path, traces its origins to the early 17th century. Florian Jetřich Žďárský built a Loreto chapel in Hájek around 1625. This chapel quickly became a popular pilgrimage site. To accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, it was expanded and renovated in 1630. A monastery was established in 1659.
Between 1720 and 1726, twenty wayside shrines were erected along the 14km route. Each chapel was funded by a donor who contributed 200 gold coins for its construction and 20 for its upkeep. These chapels, including I. kaple poutní cesty Loreta – Hájek, served as spiritual milestones for the faithful journeying to Hájek.
I. kaple poutní cesty Loreta – Hájek, like the others, was originally adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of the Virgin Mary and St. Francis of Assisi. Latin inscriptions in elegiac couplets complemented the artwork. The donor’s coat of arms was proudly displayed between the niche and the cornice. The chapels’ architectural style is a simple, yet elegant, rectangular prism with pilasters and a triangular pediment. Stone bases with spheres flank the sides, adding a touch of grandeur.
Over time, the chapels fell into disrepair. Several renovations have attempted to preserve their history. The first major restoration of all the chapels took place in 1751-1752. Another restoration, focusing on the paintings, was carried out in 1773-1774. Despite these efforts, many chapels were lost or damaged. I. kaple poutní cesty Loreta – Hájek was among the nine located within Prague’s boundaries that survived into the 21st century. It underwent reconstruction between 2000 and 2001.
I. kaple poutní cesty Loreta – Hájek stands as a silent witness to centuries of faith and devotion. It reminds us of the Hájková pilgrimage route’s enduring legacy. This chapel invites you to reflect on the countless pilgrims who have walked this path. Their hopes and prayers echo in the stones.