Chapel of Saint Barbara at Rezek

The Chapel of Saint Barbara stands in the Rezek forest, a short distance from Nové Město nad Metují in eastern Bohemia, between the villages of Blažkov and Libchyně. This modest Baroque building was raised over a spring long believed to have healing properties, and it remains a quiet forest landmark on local walking routes — a remnant of an era when the surrounding woods buzzed with the life of a small spa resort.

How did the site come to be a pilgrimage spot?

The story begins in 1610, when an image of Saint Barbara was hung on a tree beside the spring. The place quickly gained a reputation for curative waters, and the image drew growing numbers of pilgrims over the following century. More than a hundred years later, on 17 April 1736, hejtman František Göstl and his wife financed the construction of a proper masonry chapel on the spot. Building work finished the following year, and the chapel was consecrated by episcopal vicar J.J. Sax.

Why Saint Barbara specifically?

In Catholic tradition, Saint Barbara is invoked as intercessor for a blessed death and serves as patroness of miners and metalworkers. Over time, local custom layered on a different meaning: young people would light candles at the chapel hoping to find a romantic partner, and belief held that such wishes were especially likely to come true during the annual pilgrimages to Rezek.

What does the chapel look like, and what structural problem did it face?

The Baroque chapel shares stylistic character with the Church of Saint John of Nepomuk in Nové Město nad Metují, suggesting a common architectural inspiration behind both buildings. The altar was placed directly above the spring, which eventually caused persistent problems — rising moisture steadily damaged the interior. In 1835, authorities had a new spring outlet drilled beside the chapel and sealed the original opening beneath the altar. Even so, the proximity of water remained a source of conservation headaches for decades afterward.

How did Rezek become a spa resort?

Alongside the chapel, a small spa building and a hermitage for the site's caretaker were built. The hermit collected fees for therapeutic baths, and the money raised formed a fund used to maintain the chapel and pay for regular services. In the second half of the 19th century, Rezek enjoyed its heyday as a climate spa, drawing between 300 and 400 guests a year at its peak. Notable visitors included the poet Jan Neruda, Sokol movement founder Miroslav Tyrš, and the mayor of Prague, Dr. Černý. In their memory, a commemorative plaque honoring Tyrš and Neruda was unveiled on 28 October 1934.

What condition is the chapel in today?

For decades the building went without any significant repair work and gradually deteriorated, despite dating back to the 18th century and holding clear historical value. In recent years, however, restoration work has begun with the aim of saving the monument from further decline.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Chapel of Saint Barbara located? In the Rezek forest, between the villages of Blažkov and Libchyně, a short distance from Nové Město nad Metují in eastern Bohemia.

When was the chapel built? Construction began on 17 April 1736 and was completed the following year, in 1737.

Who funded the chapel's construction? Hejtman František Göstl and his wife.

Why was this site significant to the local community? Because of its spring, believed to have healing properties, around which a popular spa resort developed in the 19th century, attracting up to 400 guests a year.

Is the chapel currently being restored? Yes, after decades of neglect the building is undergoing restoration work aimed at halting its further decay.