Svatá Hora (Holly Hill) - Příbram
Relics
Svatá Hora (Holly Hill) - Příbram
Svatá hora (Holy Hill) in the town of Příbram is an important shrine of Virgin Mary Cult. This 
National Culture Monument is arising over Příbram, in an altitude of 586 metres above sea level, just more than 300 years. Cult of merciful Holy Hill Virgin Mary comes to the middle of 14th century, i.e. time period of action of Archbishop Ernest of Pardubice. He himself would to carve on this statue from pear wood.
The construction of this complex was effected within 1658-1675. Till this time period, there was to be found here small and unknown chapel. Nevertheless, a break came in 1647, when Jseuits´ Order obtained a chapel. And shortly afterthat, the place started to
be a great building place. Building complex was constructed according to plans of Carlo Lurago and P.Benjamin Slajer. Even J.Brokoff, sculptor, and P.Brandl, painter, participated on decoration of these buildings.
So, Holy Hill became subsequently one of most famous shrines in Bohemia. Except of this, it is and important centre of Virgin Mary Cult in Europe. Holy Hill was, as a pilgrimage target, since Charles IV. time period. However, during rule of enli
ghtened Emperor Joseph II., the pilgrimages were forbidden, but despite of this, it was not managed to be carried out totally. So, during main pilgrims´ ceremonies at the end of 19th century, more than 20000 pilgrims were present here. Since 1861 till now (with the exception of 1950-1990) Holy Hill is a seat of Redemptorist Order.
Holy Hill area is bordered with crossed corridors of dimensions 80x72 metres. In the corner, there are to be found four eight-cornered, wealthy chapels, decorated with stucco (Pilsen, Prague, Mníšek and Virgin Mary chapels). Main entrance leads into great paved space with Virgin Mary column. The church itself is situated on rocky terrace inside the complex. Originally, it was a building of Gothic style, which was re-constructed, and from four sides surrounded with Baroque chapels in 17th century. A 
monastery forms also a part of this area, adjoining towards north wing of crossed corridors. Originally, this complex was a residency of Jesuits Order, at present, there is here a main seat of Redemptorist Order (Congregation of Highest Saviour). To this area belongs also 365 covered staircases, leading from north-west chapel downstairs to the town of Příbram. In 1978, great fire broke out in Holy Hill. The fire destroyed the roof of the monastery, provost-building, north part of crossed corridors, the towers over Mníšek and Pilsen chapels and ceiling paintingsof this part of crossed corridor. Nevertheless, all damaged parts of the complex, with exception of paintings renovation, were renewed till 1982, on occasion of 250th anniversry of Virgin Mary coronation.
Text: Markéta Řandová
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