The Chapel of Bethlehem, also known as the Chapel of Bethlehem, is closely associated with the name of the Czech national hero and righteous Jan Hus, whose faith was so strong that it raised the people to a 14-year war and changed the course of history. Self-denial and responsibility for others, even on the verge of the death penalty, did not allow the preacher to give up why he taught others. This chapel is a monument to the life and death of the famous orator, linguist and reformer who dedicated himself to the publication of the truth.
In the 14th century, sermons in cathedrals were read in Latin and were not understood by the people of Prague. Then ordinary citizens gathered and decided to build their own church, which will sound the native Czech language. Shopkeeper Jan Krzyż gave the garden plot for construction, and Jan Mü lheim invested his own money. The Archbishop of Prague initially resisted this idea, but King Wenceslas IV persuaded him. And in 1391 a chapel was built on Bethlehem Square.
This chapel does not look like the magnificent temples of that time. It, on the contrary, is concise and easy to perform: ascetic on the outside and devoid of any excesses inside. The rectangular building is crowned by two simple gabled roofs and one needle-shaped tower. The temple has no icons, statues, stained glass, not even an altar. But there is a department, there are chairs for ordinary listeners and an oratory for noble parishioners. By deliberately simplifying the architecture and interior, the reformers promoted new views on the meaning and significance of the church.
The building is intended for preaching and can accommodate 3.000 people, which in the XV century was one tenth of the then population of Prague. The three entrances to it are located so that people who decide to leave or come during the sermon do not interfere with others to listen. There is a fourth entrance, but it does not lead to the street, but connects the chapel with the preacher's house.
The Chapel of Bethlehem was a real tribune of Jan Hus, even the walls speak on his behalf. By order of the preacher, the interior was decorated with frescoes and quotations that clearly illustrate his teachings. There are no angels or demons in the interior painting, its images are simple and familiar, and the manner of execution resembles lubochny pictures with scenes from real life.
In 1622 the new owners, the Jesuits, appeared in the chapel. When the building became old, it was demolished and in 1786 two barns were built, and in 1837 a three-storey house grew on this site. And only in the second half of the last century the Hussite church was decided to recreate on the basis of ancient engravings with its image. The reconstruction used ancient parts of the building, which miraculously survived: real arched openings of windows and doors. In 1954, architect Yaroslav Fragner completed the restoration of the chapel.
The Bethlehem Chapel now belongs to the Czech Technical University.
Since 1987, the museum has housed concerts, exhibitions and university events. Worship is held in this building only once a year, on July 6. On the day of remembrance of Jan Hus, Christians of different denominations gather for a festive service.
In the 14th century, sermons in cathedrals were read in Latin and were not understood by the people of Prague. Then ordinary citizens gathered and decided to build their own church, which will sound the native Czech language. Shopkeeper Jan Krzyż gave the garden plot for construction, and Jan Mü lheim invested his own money. The Archbishop of Prague initially resisted this idea, but King Wenceslas IV persuaded him. And in 1391 a chapel was built on Bethlehem Square.
This chapel does not look like the magnificent temples of that time. It, on the contrary, is concise and easy to perform: ascetic on the outside and devoid of any excesses inside. The rectangular building is crowned by two simple gabled roofs and one needle-shaped tower. The temple has no icons, statues, stained glass, not even an altar. But there is a department, there are chairs for ordinary listeners and an oratory for noble parishioners. By deliberately simplifying the architecture and interior, the reformers promoted new views on the meaning and significance of the church.
The building is intended for preaching and can accommodate 3.000 people, which in the XV century was one tenth of the then population of Prague. The three entrances to it are located so that people who decide to leave or come during the sermon do not interfere with others to listen. There is a fourth entrance, but it does not lead to the street, but connects the chapel with the preacher's house.
The Chapel of Bethlehem was a real tribune of Jan Hus, even the walls speak on his behalf. By order of the preacher, the interior was decorated with frescoes and quotations that clearly illustrate his teachings. There are no angels or demons in the interior painting, its images are simple and familiar, and the manner of execution resembles lubochny pictures with scenes from real life.
In 1622 the new owners, the Jesuits, appeared in the chapel. When the building became old, it was demolished and in 1786 two barns were built, and in 1837 a three-storey house grew on this site. And only in the second half of the last century the Hussite church was decided to recreate on the basis of ancient engravings with its image. The reconstruction used ancient parts of the building, which miraculously survived: real arched openings of windows and doors. In 1954, architect Yaroslav Fragner completed the restoration of the chapel.
The Bethlehem Chapel now belongs to the Czech Technical University.
Since 1987, the museum has housed concerts, exhibitions and university events. Worship is held in this building only once a year, on July 6. On the day of remembrance of Jan Hus, Christians of different denominations gather for a festive service.
Translated automatically from Ukrainian. View original
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