Chapel of Fourteen Holy Helpers

The Chapel of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, known locally as the Red Chapel (Červená kaplička), is a small wayside chapel in Chrudim, Czech Republic, standing right next to Střelnice Park. Its nickname comes from the colour of its roof, while its dedication honours a group of fourteen saints traditionally invoked in sickness, danger and at the hour of death.

Why was a chapel built on this exact spot?

The story of the site goes back to the 17th century, when a first chapel was erected here over a well. The water from that well was believed to have healing properties, which explains the choice of location - a place associated with cures naturally drew devotion to saints known as helpers in illness. From the start, the site combined two functions: a practical one, tied to access to water, and a spiritual one, centred on the cult of the fourteen helpers.

What does the chapel look like today, and where does its current shape come from?

The building visitors see today is no longer the 17th-century structure. Its present form dates back to a thorough rebuilding in 1883, funded by local miller František Podhajský. That renovation gave the chapel much of the appearance it still has today - including the red roof that earned it its popular nickname.

Who exactly are the Fourteen Holy Helpers?

Devotion to the Fourteen Holy Helpers developed in the German-speaking lands during the Middle Ages and soon spread into Bohemia and Moravia as well. The group brought together saints invoked against specific, severe afflictions - epidemics, accidents, and ailments of the eyes or throat. In the Chrudim chapel, the saints honoured are Achatius, Barbara, Blaise, Cyriacus, Dionysius, Erasmus, Eustace, Giles, George, Catherine, Christopher, Margaret, Pantaleon and Vitus. The entire chapel is dedicated to them, and their images were added to the interior during the most recent major renovation.

What happened during the 2011 renovation?

Over the decades, the chapel's condition gradually deteriorated, until a comprehensive renovation was carried out in 2011. As part of that work, the interior was decorated with a series of paintings depicting the fourteen patron saints, created by local artist Ivan Babárek. The chapel regained not only its visual appeal but also a clear iconographic programme - visitors today can identify exactly who the chapel is dedicated to simply by looking at the paintings inside.

Where exactly is the chapel, and how do you find it?

The Red Chapel stands in Chrudim, a town in the Pardubice Region of eastern Bohemia, directly beside Střelnice Park, a popular spot for local walks. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 49.957 N, 15.809 E, at an elevation of around 247 metres above sea level. Thanks to its position next to the park, the chapel fits naturally into a stroll through this part of town.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the chapel called the Red Chapel? The nickname comes from the colour of its roof, which clearly stands out from its surroundings.

Who is the chapel dedicated to? To the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints venerated since the Middle Ages as intercessors in illness and danger, including Barbara, Catherine, Christopher and George.

Does the current building date from the 17th century? Not entirely - the original chapel over the well was built in the 17th century, but the chapel's present form comes from an 1883 rebuilding funded by miller František Podhajský.

What can be seen inside the chapel today? Paintings of the fourteen patron saints, created by artist Ivan Babárek during the 2011 renovation.

Where exactly does the chapel stand in Chrudim? Next to Střelnice Park, making it an easy stop while walking through that part of the town.