Zelena Hora Monastery

About

Built in 1720, Zelena Hora is a church like you’ve never seen before. Designed around a five-point star structure, the building is extraordinary and uniquely engaging. The motif of five is repeated throughout the structure - there are five entrances, five altar niches, twenty-five chapels around a central space, five stars and five angels on the high altar. This is said to reference not only the five wounds of Christ on the cross but also the five stars in the halo of the martyr St. John of Nepomuk, after whom the church is named. The interior of the church is minimalist but visually striking, with the design subtly but effectively drawing the eyes of visitors upwards so they may gaze towards heaven. Remarkable for both its gothic features and complex symbolism, Zelena Hora has been considered an architectural marvel since its completion and was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. While the courtyard is freely accessible, for anyone considering a tour, prior reservation is highly recommended. Visitors can book their tours at: https://www.zelena-hora.eu/en/tourist-information/guided-tours-booking-form.