Špindlerův Mlýn has a chapel of Saint Barbara near the Hromovka cottage

Špindlerův Mlýn - A new chapel dedicated to Saint Barbara was opened today in Špindlerův Mlýn in the Krkonoš Mountains. This small wooden sacred structure, consecrated by Cardinal Dominik Duka, was created at the initiative of the Association for the Construction of the Chapel of St. Barbara, established in 2016. The land for the construction was provided by the owners of the nearby mountain lodge Hromovka.

The chapel stands by the so-called Woodcutter's Path on the western slope of Mount Hromovka at an altitude of 860 meters. A glazed wall offers a view of the valley with the Elbe Dam, the Labská quarter of Špindlerův Mlýn, and the ridges of the Krkonoš Mountains. The construction costs of the chapel amounted to nearly one million crowns.

"The dedication to Saint Barbara of Nicomedia is not random, as she is among other things the patroness of miners and firefighters, a protector in danger during storms, and a helper in need. Špindlerův Mlýn was originally a mining settlement and today it is a sought-after mountain resort where dangers related to nature still threaten," stated the chairman of the association, Dalibor Mlejnský.

According to the mayor of Špindlerův Mlýn, Martin Jandura (Špindlerův Mlýn - a city with a vision), the chapel was originally supposed to be built years ago in the valley, but the construction faced various obstacles. "I supported the project. One should live spiritually even in this time; it is good to take a pause," he said. The chapel could also become a new tourist destination for visitors to Špindlerův Mlýn.

The structure of the chapel is made of larch beams and stands on a stone gneiss base measuring approximately 2.2 meters by 3.8 meters. It is clad with hand-split larch shingles. Natural materials are complemented by small brass details such as door fittings, glazing profiles, and a cross above the entrance. The dominant feature of the chapel is a framed belfry with a bell cast to measure and inscribed with "You shall believe in one God."

"The rough body of the chapel protects against the harsh mountain climate, with the main element of the interior being a small cubic altar made using a special technology from recycled glass shards and brass," said Petr Fiala from the architectural studio Archibase.

The Chapel of St. Barbara is not the only sacred building that has recently been constructed in Špindlerův Mlýn. In 2007, the owner of the Erlebach Lodge above Špindlerův Mlýn built a chapel dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. This chapel is made of stone and wood.