Chapel of the Holy Trinity in Křivoklát

The Chapel of the Holy Trinity in Křivoklát perches on a rocky outcrop facing the castle tower of Křivoklát, directly above the site of the former castle moat. It is a small building with an unusual triangular ground plan, dating from around the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries — one of the more curious, if often overlooked, architectural details in the castle's surroundings.

Where exactly is the chapel located?

The chapel sits on a rock across the ravine from the castle tower, at the spot where a moat once protected access to Křivoklát. It is clearly visible from the castle's terraces and windows, making it a natural point of interest for visitors touring the courtyard.

What does the chapel's architecture look like?

The structure is triangular — an unusual choice for a religious building in this region. Each of its three identical walls has a doorway set in the center of a shallow risalit roughly 1.5 meters wide. Concave pilasters mark the corners, a prominent cornice runs around the top, and the roof takes the shape of a triangular pyramid with beveled edges. Crowning it is a triangular lantern with triangular windows on each face — the triangle motif repeats consistently at every level of the building, echoing its dedication to the Holy Trinity.

Who is the chapel dedicated to?

The chapel honors St. Wendelin alongside the Holy Trinity, which gives the building its name. Niches on the exterior once held painted images of saints. Over time these were completely worn away by weather, and their original appearance can no longer be reconstructed.

Where does the legend of the walled-up girl come from?

A story popular among visitors tells of the castle commandant's daughter, said to have been walled up alive inside the chapel as punishment for an affair with the castle's owner. It is a colorful but unverified tale — according to available sources, the legend was actually invented much later by a fairground singer looking to boost sales of his songs. Despite its dubious origin, the story has survived and is still recounted as a curiosity during visits to the castle grounds.

Is the chapel worth seeing during a visit to the castle?

The chapel is not a destination in its own right, but it makes for a rewarding stop for anyone touring Křivoklát, particularly fans of architecture and local folklore. Its unusual triangular form stands out against the castle's more conventional buildings and offers a good example of how architectural shape can be chosen to reinforce religious symbolism — in this case, the dedication to the Holy Trinity.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the chapel located? On a rock facing the tower of Křivoklát Castle, above the site of the former castle moat.

From what period does the chapel date? From around the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Why does the chapel have a triangular shape? The form reflects its dedication to the Holy Trinity, repeating the triangle motif in the building's plan, roof, and lantern.

Is the legend of the walled-up girl true? There is no confirmation of it — according to available sources, the tale was invented by a fairground singer to help sell his songs.