Chapel of the Epiphany

The Chapel of the Epiphany (Czech: Kaple Zjevení Páně), also known as the Chapel of the Three Kings, is a Baroque castle chapel in Smiřice, a small town in the Hradec Králové region of eastern Czechia. Despite its modest size, it ranks among the region's most valuable religious monuments — it has been listed as a National Cultural Monument of the Czech Republic since 1995.

How to get there?

The chapel stands in Smiřice, roughly a dozen kilometers northwest of Hradec Králové, on the grounds of the former castle estate of the Šternberk family. The town lies along the route connecting Hradec Králové with Jaroměř, making it an easy stop for anyone touring the region. The chapel's coordinates are 50.2996439, 15.8703658.

Where does the chapel come from?

The foundation stone was laid in 1699 at the initiative of Count Jan Josef ze Šternberka, then owner of the Smiřice estate. He chose the chapel's dedication himself — the Epiphany, commemorating the biblical Adoration of the Magi before the newborn Christ. Construction did not go as planned: in 1700, shortly after work began, the young founder and his wife, Marie Violanta ze Šternberku, drowned in the Inn River in Bavaria. Despite this tragedy, building continued and the chapel was completed in 1711. Kryštof Dientzenhofer is credited as its architect, though some sources also mention the involvement of Jan Blažej Santini.

What is there to see inside?

Architecturally, the chapel stands out for its unusual, sculptural floor plan — an elongated octagon with undulating, concave-convex walls typical of mature Bohemian Baroque design. The interior is decorated with frescoes by Jan Jakub Steinfels ze Steinfelsu, depicting biblical scenes thematically linked to prophecies of Christ's coming. The most valuable piece of furnishing is the main altarpiece, "The Adoration of the Magi," which since 2006 has held its own separate status as a National Cultural Monument, as part of a collection of Baroque altar paintings by Karel Škréta and Petr Brandl.

A turbulent 20th century

The chapel's history did not end with the Baroque era. In 1971 it was deconsecrated, which took it out of religious use for years and left it vulnerable to neglect. Only between 1978 and 2004 was the building, along with its furnishings and painted decoration, gradually restored, bringing it back to its former condition.

Music within Baroque walls

Today the chapel is admired not only for its architecture but also for its acoustics — violinist Jaroslav Svěcený has praised the space and performs there regularly. Every year the Smiřice Music Festivals take place inside the chapel, drawing classical music lovers from across the region and pairing a visit to the monument with a live cultural event.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded the Chapel of the Epiphany in Smiřice? It was founded by Count Jan Josef ze Šternberka, who laid the foundation stone in 1699 and chose its dedication to the Epiphany.

Why was construction of the chapel interrupted? In 1700, shortly after work began, the founder and his wife Marie Violanta drowned in the Inn River in Bavaria. Despite the tragedy, the chapel was completed in 1711.

Who designed the chapel? Kryštof Dientzenhofer is credited as the builder, though some sources also name Jan Blažej Santini.

Is the chapel a protected monument? Yes — it has been a National Cultural Monument of the Czech Republic since 1995, and since 2006 its main altarpiece, "The Adoration of the Magi," has held that status separately as well.

Are there any events held at the chapel today? Yes, the Smiřice Music Festivals are held there every year, and the space is prized for its exceptional acoustics.