Discover the Charm of Kaple svaté Markéty: An Interview with Jan Hendrych - the owner of this unique Guesthouse
Nestled within the grounds of the Žďár nad Sázavou castle, Kaple svaté Markéty is a quaint guesthouse that seamlessly blends history with hospitality. Just a five-minute walk from the UNESCO-listed Church of St. John of Nepomuk at Zelená hora, this guesthouse offers cozy bed and breakfast accommodations in a former Baroque chapel.
Construction of the chapel began in 1700, and today it welcomes visitors with comfortable rooms, a private sauna, a hall with a fireplace, and a well-stocked cellar featuring Alsatian wines. Surrounding the chapel is a charming garden, tastefully adorned with sculptures from the on-site ceramic workshop. In this interview, we sit down with the owner Jan Hendrych to learn more about the history, charm, and unique offerings of this enchanting guesthouse.
What led you to decide to renovate the chapel and turn it into luxury accommodation?
The motivation for the renovation of the Chapel and its transformation into luxury accommodation was the desire to preserve and enhance this unique historical monument for future generations. I have been closely associated with the chapel since childhood, as my parents purchased it when I was attending elementary school. The reconstruction thus presented an opportunity to give the chapel a new lease on life while preserving its spiritual value.
What was the reconstruction process like? How long did it take and what were the main challenges?
The entire reconstruction process was demanding and lengthy, taking more than ten years. During this time, the concept underwent many changes and adjustments. The biggest challenge was pushing through the reconstruction plan with the authorities and securing financing. Due to the situation in the 1990s, we had to devise and manufacture many procedures and equipment ourselves. For example, this led to handcrafting the paving throughout the chapel. Currently, a second wave of reconstruction is underway, advancing the interiors and concept into the 21st century while respecting the work of our ancestors and the original Baroque builders.
Photo: Mina Kolouchová
Could you share a story or experience related to the reconstruction process that has influenced you the most?
An unforgettable moment for us was when the chapel was rid of all excess layers, and from the ruins emerged the arches and lintels of six-meter-high Baroque windows. Even though at that time the Chapel served only as a garage for excavators, it was clear that with the monumental space of the main nave, it would be necessary to handle it with sensitivity and preserve it in its purest form.
What are the main elements that you believe make your chapel accommodation unique?
The uniqueness of chapel accommodation lies in the opportunity to spend the night in spaces with deep history and spiritual atmosphere. Guests can sleep in the church choir or in the former ambulatory. However, the most essential aspect lies in the overall impression and atmosphere of the chapel, which breathes genuine genius loci.
Was there a moment during the reconstruction when you felt the project had no future? How did you deal with it?
Reconstructing an old building comes with many specific challenges. For example, the walls need to be painted several times a year due to moisture. Despite these challenging moments, we are motivated to continue our work primarily by the positive reaction of guests who return to us repeatedly.
What are the responses to stays in the reconstructed chapel?
The best feedback for us comes from returning guests, who make up a large portion of our clientele. Their positive feedback and enthusiasm for staying in the chapel reaffirm to us that the reconstruction was worthwhile and that we have succeeded in creating something exceptional.
