Chapel of Saint Rosalia

The Chapel of Saint Rosalia is a small early Baroque church standing on Chapel Hill above the town of Žamberk, right next to the wooden Tyrš lookout tower. It was built in 1681 as a votive offering of thanks for the end of a plague epidemic that had struck the region in the second half of the 17th century, and it remains one of the town's most recognizable landmarks today.

Who is the chapel dedicated to?

The building carries the dedication of five saints traditionally regarded as protectors against plague: Saint Rosalia, Saint Roch, Saint Sebastian, Saint Nicholas, and Saint Martin. This particular grouping was no coincidence — each of these saints was associated in folk tradition with care for the sick or for travelers, and after surviving the epidemic the people of Žamberk wanted a single place where all these protectors could be honored together.

What happened to the chapel over the centuries?

Originally, the chapel served as a pilgrimage destination for people from the surrounding area. Its history has not always been peaceful — in 1874 the building was struck by lightning, causing serious structural damage, which was repaired in 1882. A few years later, in 1888, a harmonium was installed inside, but the instrument was gradually damaged by mice and eventually removed. In the 20th century the chapel underwent a major renovation between 1978 and 1980, followed by another thorough restoration in 2005, when the walls were whitewashed, the windows repaired, and the original liturgical furnishings returned to their place. The works culminated in a solemn re-consecration on September 3, 2005, during a pilgrimage mass. The most recent conservation work, covering the roof, the small tower, and the façade, took place in 2008.

What is worth seeing on site?

The chapel's greatest architectural asset is its entrance portal, decorated with heraldic emblems — a detail rarely found on such a modest, rural votive church of this period. The building itself has retained its plain early Baroque character, without later alterations that would have changed its original appearance. The hill is surrounded by trees, which partly obscure the view of the chapel from a distance, but the same greenery makes the spot a pleasant place for a walk, especially combined with a climb up the nearby lookout tower.

How do you get to Chapel Hill?

The chapel sits on a hill directly above the center of Žamberk, a district town in the Pardubice Region near the border with the Hradec Králové Region. Access is on foot from the town center — the walk is short and requires no special preparation, which makes it an easy destination both for day-trippers and for locals looking for a spot for an evening stroll.

Is admission free?

The grounds around the chapel are open to the public free of charge all year round. The interior is opened only occasionally, usually during pilgrimage services or local cultural events held on the hill.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Chapel of Saint Rosalia in Žamberk built? The chapel was built in 1681 as an offering of thanks for the end of a plague epidemic.

How many patron saints does the chapel have? Five — Saint Rosalia, Saint Roch, Saint Sebastian, Saint Nicholas, and Saint Martin, all traditionally linked to protection against plague.

What else is located near the chapel? The wooden Tyrš lookout tower stands right next to it, making it easy to combine both sights in a single walk.

Can the chapel be visited year-round? The area around the building is accessible all year, but the interior is opened only occasionally, mainly during pilgrimage services and events.