This catholic church was built in 1848 as the presentable centre of religious life in Marienbad. Rarity of this building is its neo-byzantine style, what isn’t typical in Bohemian area. Marian Heinl, who was the project owner and abbot of Teplá Abbey, wanted to establish religious refuge for visitors both from east and from west. This church should represent connection between west and east Christian culture. With the best design includes this idea came architect Johann Gottfried Gutensohn of Munich, Bavaria. His design had shape of octagonal temple according to example of byzantines sanctuary.
The interior and exterior details of decoration of this church refer to age-old christian tradition. If you decide to enter the building, you have to climb 33 steps, what reflect the Jesus Christ life and three landings of this stairway remind Jesus Christ stumbles during the way with the Cross to the Golgotha. When you come inside, the magic mood of interior enthralls you. Spacious vault of the church is decorated with impressive motif of night sky, stars were originally gold painted. Geometric floor is covered by representation of four M (Maria Mater Messiae Mundi – Mary, Mother of the Messiah the World).
The church can show off many works of art from various famous Czech and German artists and craftsmen. These works of art were ordered by parish or they were gifts from visitors at spa as gratitude for recovery in Marienbad. Pay attention to the painting The Stations of the Cross created by the painter Josef Mathauser of Prag, what extends along the whole perimeter of the church. Or focus on the altar consecrated to St. Norbert, where is pictured not only saint himself but as well as beatified nobleman Hroznata and Marian Josef Heinl, the founder of this church.
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