Loreta
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Loreta is a large loreto (a pilgrim place) in Hradčany, a district of Prague, Czech Republic. It consist of a cloister, the church of the Lord’s Birth, a Holy Hut and the clock tower with a famous chime.
The construction had started in 1526 and the Holy Hut was blessed on March 25, 1631. Architect was Italian Giovanno Orsi, the project was financed by a noblewoman of the Lobkowitz family.
The Face wall in Baroque style was designed by architects Christoph Dientzenhofer and Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer and added at the beginning of 18th century.
The chapel is most know for its peal (carillon, chime), heard since August 15, 1695. It was constructed during 1694 by watchmaker Peter Neumann from thirty smaller and larger bells.
Today the building also hosts large collection of liturgical tools, mainly monstrances. Exhibitions are occasionally held on the first floor of the cloister.
Neighbouring Loreta Square (Loretánské náměstí) is named after Loreta.
[edit] External links
- Loreta's website, very detailed description (cz, en, de)
