10 Must-Visit Summer Palaces, Chapels, and Star-Designed Buildings

Visit the amazing buildings on the star-shaped ground plans that truly shine. Noteworthy examples include the Hvězda Summer Palace located in the Hvězda Game Reserve in Prague and the pilgrimage church featuring its ethereal ambyts on Zelená hora near Žďár nad Sázavou. But do you know other notable buildings? For instance, there’s a stunning chapel designed in the shape of a star in the Broumov region and the Baroque “star” located in Železná Ruda. Additionally, star patterns can also be found carved in the floor plans of a modern church in Písek and in the impressive fortress cities. With Which Way Out of Boredom, explore the legacy of buildings with proportions that have entranced people for centuries, whether you seek romantic settings, a spiritual journey, or breathtaking examples of military architecture.

Hvězda Summer Palace, a Renaissance masterpiece in Prague

Positioned just a short distance from the lively capital is the gorgeous Renaissance Hvězda Summer Palace, nestled within the lush forest of the Hvězda Game Reserve. From a distance, it’s evident that this building is extraordinary: its six-pointed ground plan, intricate proportions, and intriguing symbolism reflect the Renaissance era, a time when art beautifully blended with alchemy and philosophy. It is believed that the six-pointed star shape of the building was created by Duke Ferdinand of Tyrol, second son of King Ferdinand I of Habsburg, as a romantic gift for his wife, Philippina.

Santini’s Geometry: the Green Mountain above Žďár nad Sázavou

Among the most renowned examples of Czech Baroque Gothic is the pilgrimage church of St. John of Nepomuk at Zelená hora, which is a part of the list UNESCO. The architect Santini skillfully merged faith and mathematics: this concept revolves around the number five, linked to the legend of Saint John of Nepomuk. The church features five entrances, five altars, and five chapels, all topped by a dome adorned with a star that glows when illuminated. Green Mountain is not just an architectural jewel; it’s also a place where you can feel like you’re standing in a living symbol.
Even a talented architect like Santini had to start somewhere. Before receiving a grand commission from the abbot of the Plasy monastery for the renovation of the convent, church, and various buildings, he practiced his craft on a smaller rural structure. This is the chapel of the Virgin Mary in Mladotice, created with a hexagonal design. The six-pointed star was inspired by Marian symbolism, and the stars set in the vault and lantern create an impression of a twelve-pointed star.

Other buildings featuring star plans: where can you find them?

Visiting the Broumov Walls will undoubtedly surprise you. The Star Peak, a Baroque pilgrimage chapel designed by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, connects the dramatic landscape with deep spiritual meaning, becoming a part of the Baroque network of churches in Broumov.
Similarly, in the Bohemian Forest area of Železná Ruda, you’ll find the church of Our Lady of Help of Hvězda, featuring a six-pointed ground plan. The crosses that resemble stars on the tops of the towers make it one-of-a-kind in the Czech Republic. The chapel of St. John of Nepomuk in Běstvín also has a six-pointed star.. These structures demonstrate that for Baroque architects, the star was not merely a decoration but rather a symbol of light and protection..

An architectural plan in the shape of a star is not solely restricted to Baroque architecture, as the modern church of St. Charles Borromeo in Písek illustrates. This church was constructed on a site that was once a Celtic burial ground, and even though it’s surrounded by housing developments, it shines as a notable landmark. The six-pointed star, outlined in the building’s floor plan, links the past to the present, serving as a reminder that the beauty of geometry continues to captivate architects today. Another star design can be found hidden in the ceiling’s central area.

Stars are not just found in sacred architecture; military fortresses such as Terezin, Josefov, and the former fortresses of Hradec Králové or Brno’s Špilberk Castle are perfect examples of the practicality of geometry. While currently only the remnants of the star fortifications exist, their outlines in the landscape and urban layouts remain visible. Star-shaped bastion fortifications provided excellent defense against artillery, and today, walking along their ramparts or through their tunnels feels like traversing vast architectural diagrams set in nature. Here, mathematics and military strategy converge in ways that continue to awe and inspire.

You don’t need to gaze up at the night sky to find stars; you can also discover them in our cities and forests through chapels, summer houses, and fortresses. Embark on a journey with Which Way Out of Boredom through the star map of the Czech Republic. Each stop offers a unique story, different charm, and a fresh perspective on our history—come and explore them all!