The Mirror Chapel or Chapel of the Annunciation (Zrcadlová kaple, Kaple Zvěstování Panny Marie) is a chapel in the high Baroque style in Prague, which is considered a pearl among representative spaces.
The mirror chapel is part of a large complex Clementinum (Klementinum), which, in turn, represents the buildings of the former Jesuit Collegium, which is currently occupied by the National Library of the Czech Republic, the most exquisite hall which the historical the hall of the Baroque library Clementinum (Barokní knihovna Klementinum).
Today, excursions are conducted along the Mirror Chapel, classical music concerts and exhibitions are also organized.
The construction of the Chapel of the Annunciation was carried out in 1722-1726 at the expense of the Latin Congregation of the Great Mary and, probably, according to the project of architect Frantisek Maksmilian Kank or architect Kilian Ignaz Dinzengofer.
The current name of the "Mirror" chapel was received later, due to the presence of many mirrors in the decoration of the walls and vaults, which were donated to the chapel by the Imperial Lorio Foundation. It was thanks to such an ornate interior, coupled with excellent acoustics, that the chapel charmed not only many contemporary artists, but also V.A. Mozart himself, who, as they say, could not resist during a visit to the Clementinum and played the organ in the chapel with pleasure.
During the construction modifications of the Clementinum, the chapel became a book warehouse for a while and was inaugurated as a secular space in 1936, after which it served as an exhibition and concert hall.
In 2011, the chapel underwent a complete renovation and reopened to the public on August 1, 2011.
Today, the interior of this amazing small chapel is an excellent example of high Baroque in Prague.
The walls of the chapel are lined with artificial marble, the floor is lined with natural marble of various colors. The choir partition and vessels around the perimeter of the chapel are also made of marble. The ceiling paintings, created in 1723 by the artist Jan Hibel, are separated by vaulted belts with rich stucco decoration by Bernard Spinetti from 1723-1724.
The main motif of the chapel's decoration is mirrors located in the vault as part of fresco scenes and inserted into stucco decorations in the form of canopies and star-shaped figures reflecting the geometric motifs of the marble floor. Also, mirrors appear in paintings in the form of mirror justice and purity. The mirror of the sinus of the macula (Pure mirror) is compared with the purity and immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. It is also worth noting the fresco above the altar, where mirrors appear in a complex system of direction and reflection of rays emanating from "God" to the heart of the Virgin Mary and further to the floor.
In the choir of the chapel there is an original organ from 1732 by organist Tomasz Schwartz
Another organ was installed in the opposite part of the chapel on the site of the former main altar, which was stolen after the secularization of the building in 1784.
These Baroque organs were brought in the 1950s from the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Svyatobor near Doupov.
Events in the Mirror Chapel
The Mirror Chapel regularly hosts classical music concerts, exhibitions, wedding ceremonies and various events for which the chapel can be rented.
There are also guided tours of the chapel. Excursions are paid.
You can visit the Mirror Chapel, but only if no other events take place in the chapel at this time, as part of a tour of the Clementinum, which also includes: an inspection of the Baroque hall of the library, which is called the most beautiful library in the world, a visit to the Meridian hall with a collection of astronomical instruments, an inspection of a facsimile of the Visegrad Codex and a climb to the observation deck the astronomical tower, which offers panoramic views of Prague. More about Clementinum...
Practical information
Mirror Chapel website: zrcadlovakaple.cz .
The mirror chapel is located in the fourth courtyard of the Clementinum on the ground floor of the wing that connects the Astronomical Tower with the northern wing of the dormitory on Platnéřská Street.
Clementinum is located in the historical center of Prague, in the Stare Mesto district, by the address: Mariánské nám. 5, 110 00 Staré Město, Чехия.
All accommodation facilities in Prague (hotels, apartments, guest houses, etc.), including in the historical center of the city and more remotely from it, can be viewed and booked here
