Studniční kaple

Studniční kaple, or the Well Chapel, is a small chapel of Gothic origin in Žďár nad Sázavou that once protected a source of drinking water considered vital to the local Cistercian abbey. It stands right next to the former monastery complex and, together with the nearby Zelená hora hill, forms one of the more overlooked but genuinely worthwhile stops in the Vysočina region.

Why was the chapel built, and what did it once contain?

The chapel started as a simple structure built to shelter a well whose water was regarded as unusually pure and important for the monastery. Its original Gothic form was reshaped several times over the centuries as the building was adapted to changing tastes and monastic needs. The most significant of these changes was an 18th-century Baroque renovation carried out under the direction of Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel, an architect famous for his distinctive blend of Gothic and Baroque forms, often described as Baroque Gothic.

Inside, the chapel once held a statue of the Virgin Mary of the Well, mounted on an iron frame directly above the spring itself. The original statue is no longer in place, but a copy can be seen today in the Museum of the New Generation, housed within the former abbey grounds, now known as Žďár Castle. That museum is the place to go for anyone curious about the Marian devotion tied to this site.

How do you get there, and what else is nearby?

Studniční kaple sits close to the center of Žďár nad Sázavou, essentially in the shadow of the former Cistercian abbey, today converted into a castle and museum complex. From there, it's an easy walk to the town's best-known landmark, the pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk on Zelená hora. Designed by the same architect, Santini, and completed in the early 1720s, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most original works of sacred architecture in Central Europe. Its design is built entirely around the number five: a five-pointed star floor plan, five entrances, five altar niches, and ten chapels arranged around the central space.

Most visitors combine both sites into a single walking route — the well chapel as a small, quiet historical detour, and Zelená hora as the main, monumental destination.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through early autumn is the most rewarding period, since the museum spaces within the castle complex and the church on Zelená hora tend to keep fuller opening hours during this stretch. In winter, indoor access can be more limited, though the surrounding grounds and the view of the hill remain appealing year-round.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Studniční kaple? Access to the interior depends on the current opening hours of the monastery buildings in Žďár, so it's worth checking locally or with the tourist information office before visiting.

What did the statue inside the chapel represent? It depicted the Virgin Mary of the Well, placed directly above the spring whose water was considered especially valuable to the Cistercian monks.

Who redesigned the chapel in the Baroque style? The major renovation was carried out by Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel, the same architect behind the celebrated church on Zelená hora.

How much time should you plan for the chapel and surrounding area? The chapel itself is a brief stop of a few minutes, but combined with the castle grounds and a visit to Zelená hora, it's worth setting aside at least half a day.