Loreta

Loreta is a large pilgrimage destination in Hradčany, a district of Prague, Czech Republic. It consists 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. The architect was the Italian Giovanno Orsi; the project was financed by a noblewoman of the Lobkowitz family.

The Face wall in Baroque style was designed by the architects Christoph Dientzenhofer and Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer and added at the beginning of the 18th century.

The chapel is most known for its peal, 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.

External links

* [http://www.loreta.cz/en/index.htm Loreta's website, very detailed description] (cz, en, de)