Corpus Christi Chapel: A Gothic Gem

The Corpus Christi Chapel, situated near the impressive St. Barbara's Cathedral in Kutná Hora, has a rich and varied history. Construction began in the 1380s as a two-story cemetery chapel with an ossuary, intended to respectfully store bones on the lower floor and host church services for the deceased on the upper level. However, the upper floor was never completed, possibly due to the growing importance of St. Barbara's Cathedral. After the Jesuit order was abolished in 1773, the chapel transitioned through various private owners and uses, including a storehouse and an organ workshop. By the mid-20th century, it had fallen into disrepair and was even listed as one of the world's 100 most endangered monuments in the 1990s. Fortunately, a demanding reconstruction between 1997 and 2000, supported by the city and the Ministry of Culture, saved the chapel. Today, the Corpus Christi Chapel stands as a modest yet remarkable building, housing one of the few completely preserved High Gothic interiors in the Czech Republic. Visitors can explore its historical and architectural significance, often as part of a tour of St. Barbara's Cathedral. The chapel also serves as an exhibition and concert space, offering a glimpse into the past and a venue for cultural events.