Kaple Panny Marie Klatovské

Kaple Panny Marie Klatovské (Chapel of Our Lady of Klatovy) stands on the southwestern edge of Kašperské Hory, along the road heading toward the Losenický stream, right next to the pilgrimage church of Panna Marie Sněžná. Locals often call it Grantl, a name tied to the spring that has flowed here for centuries and long been considered miraculous.

Where does the name Grantl come from?

The nickname refers to the abundant spring next to the chapel, whose water locals have regarded as healing for generations. It flows freely from a stone trough topped with a cross, standing right beside the building, and is still accessible to visitors today. This spring is one of the main reasons the site has drawn pilgrims from both the Czech and Bavarian sides of the Šumava mountains for centuries.

How old is the chapel?

The original structure dates back to the 17th century, and even then it was regarded as a significant pilgrimage site in the region. In 1733, guilds from Kašperské Hory funded a rebuilding of the chapel, during which the image of Our Lady of Klatovy — the source of the chapel's full name — was restored inside. The chapel took its present form during a further reconstruction in 1815–1816, financed by voluntary donations from the faithful during the tenure of dean Mikuláš Töpper. A year later, in 1817, the chapel received church permission to hold Mass.

Why is the chapel next to a much larger church?

The chapel sits directly beside the far larger pilgrimage church of Panna Marie Sněžná, built in the 19th century specifically to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims visiting the site. Together the two buildings form a single sacred complex on the edge of town, on Nerudova street, and are typically visited together on the same walk.

What is there to see on site?

Besides the chapel itself, the stone trough with its spring and cross draws attention right next to the building. For centuries, this spring was the real reason for the site's importance — the legend of its miraculous water attracted pilgrims long before any masonry chapel stood here. It's worth combining a visit with a short walk to the neighboring Panna Marie Sněžná church to see both stages of this Marian pilgrimage tradition in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the name Grantl come from? From the abundant spring beside the chapel, whose water locals have long considered miraculous.

When did the chapel take its current form? It was rebuilt into its present shape in 1815–1816, during the tenure of dean Mikuláš Töpper, funded by voluntary donations from the faithful.

Can visitors still draw water from the spring? Yes, the spring still flows freely from a stone trough topped with a cross standing next to the chapel.

What stands next to the chapel? It directly borders the larger, 19th-century pilgrimage church of Panna Marie Sněžná, built to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.