Kaple Smrtelných úzkostí Kristových

Chapel of Christ's Agony in the Garden (Czech: Kaple Smrtelných úzkostí Kristových) is a small Baroque chapel built on a circular plan, standing on the slope of Ovčí vrch hill near the village of Kokašice in the Tachov District of western Bohemia, Czech Republic. The stone rotunda-like structure occupies a prominent spot on the hill's southern slope and can be seen from a considerable distance.

What is the history behind the chapel?

The chapel was built between 1680 and 1681, commissioned by Marie Františka z Heissensteinu, the noblewoman who owned the surrounding estate at the time. It marks the site of violent events from 1680, when a peasant uprising against feudal oppression broke out in the region. Around 500 rebellious peasants, who had earlier looted Bezdružice Castle, entrenched themselves on the hill. On 6 May 1680, they clashed with two units of imperial cavalry commanded by Colonel Harant. Forty-nine rebels were killed in the fighting, and the confrontation effectively ended that wave of peasant unrest in the area.

Why does the chapel have a round shape?

The founder chose a circular, rotunda-like form for the building, setting it apart from the rectangular wayside chapels more typical of the region. Alongside its construction, she also established an endowment to fund annual memorial masses for the fallen, held every year on 31 May - a date that has remained tied to the site ever since.

How can visitors reach the chapel?

The most convenient way on foot is via the yellow-marked hiking trail starting from the village of Krasíkov. Drivers can reach the area from Kokašice heading toward Domaslav, with parking available at the foot of the hill near Krasíkov. Because of its exposed position on the slope of Ovčí vrch, the chapel is visible from far away, making it a recognizable landmark in the surrounding countryside.

What should visitors know before coming?

The chapel lies away from major tourist routes, in the quiet rural landscape of the Tachov region. It combines historical significance - as a memorial to a bloodily suppressed peasant revolt - with the modest sacred architecture typical of late-17th-century Bohemian Baroque. Visitors are advised to bring a map or GPS device, as the approach through fields and woodland is not always clearly marked.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the chapel built? It was built between 1680 and 1681.

Who funded the chapel? It was funded by Marie Františka z Heissensteinu, owner of the local estate.

What does the chapel commemorate? It commemorates the suppression of a peasant uprising - a clash on 6 May 1680 in which 49 rebellious peasants were killed.

How do you get to the chapel? The easiest route is the yellow hiking trail from Krasíkov; by car, approach from Kokašice toward Domaslav.

Are services still held at the chapel? The founding endowment financed annual memorial masses, held every year on 31 May.