Chapel of St John the Baptist

The Chapel of St John the Baptist stands in Rožany, a small settlement that today forms part of the town of Šluknov, right at the northern tip of the Czech Republic known as the Šluknov Hook (Šluknovský výběžek) — a narrow strip of land wedged between Germany and Poland. It's a modest brick chapel that for decades served as the religious heart of the village before it merged into the neighbouring town.

How do you get to the chapel in Rožany?

The easiest way is to reach Šluknov itself by car or local bus, then continue a short stretch to the former village of Rožany, which now sits within the town's built-up area. There's no long hike involved — this is a stop worth combining with a wider trip around Šluknov and the surrounding Lusatian Highlands rather than a destination to travel far for on its own.

What's the story behind the chapel?

For centuries Rožany belonged to the parish of Šluknov and, unlike neighbouring villages, had no church of its own for a long time. The villagers held St John the Baptist in special devotion, walking in procession every year, on the Sunday after his feast day, to St Wenceslas's church in Šluknov. It wasn't until the 1930s that Rožany finally decided to build its own place of worship, dedicated to the same saint. The chapel was completed in 1936, built in a style echoing Neo-Romanesque architecture, with plain brick forms and a distinctive tower.

What does the chapel look like inside and out?

The building follows a rectangular floor plan, with a set-back presbytery and an adjoining sacristy. A slender, prism-shaped tower rises above the façade, forming the central focal point of the whole structure. Inside, a flat wooden ceiling rests on exposed beams, and a small wooden gallery sits above the entrance. The main altar is decorated with carved figures of St John the Baptist and Christ — the most notable features of an otherwise simple, well-kept interior. The chapel isn't listed as a formally protected heritage monument, yet it remains cared for by the local parish.

When are services held, and can you visit?

The chapel is still an active place of worship. Mass is celebrated on the last Sunday of the month, from June through September; outside this period the building is usually kept locked. If seeing the interior matters to you rather than just the exterior, plan your visit for one of these summer Sundays.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the chapel located? In Rožany, now part of the town of Šluknov in the far north of the Czech Republic, close to the borders with Germany and Poland.

When was the chapel built? It was built in 1936, when the residents of Rožany decided for the first time to construct their own place of worship.

Is the chapel a protected historical monument? No, it doesn't hold formal heritage protection status, though it remains an important part of the local landscape and religious tradition.

Can visitors go inside the chapel? Yes, but only during services held on the last Sunday of the month between June and September — at other times the chapel is typically closed.