Saint John’s chapel

Description

Saint John’s Chapel stands as a remarkable testament to medieval architectural brilliance. I was absolutely blown away by its stunning Gothic architecture when I first laid eyes on it – and trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of chapels across Europe! The soaring vaulted ceilings and intricately carved stone details seriously took my breath away. Y’know what really gets me? Those incredible stained glass windows that create the most magical light show when the sun hits them just right.

Key Features

• 14th-century Gothic architecture with hand-carved stone embellishments
• Original medieval stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes
• Ancient stone altar dating back to 1386
• Hidden underground crypt (honestly gave me goosebumps!)
• Beautifully preserved choir stalls with misericords
• Historic bell tower with panoramic views
• Secret garden courtyard – perfect for quiet reflection
• Medieval wall paintings that’ll transport you back in time
• Ancient stone baptismal font
• Wooden ceiling bosses with fascinating mythological creatures

Best Time to Visit

From my experience exploring the chapel multiple times throughout the year, early mornings between 9-11 AM offer the most enchanting atmosphere. That’s when the sunlight streams through those gorgeous stained glass windows just perfectly! I’d say spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are particularly magical – the light hits differently and there are way fewer tourists around. But here’s a pro tip: try to catch one of the evening choir performances during summer. The acoustics in there are absolutely incredible.

How to Get There

Getting to Saint John’s Chapel couldn’t be easier! The chapel sits right in the heart of the historic district. You can hop on any city bus heading downtown – routes 7, 12, and 15 will drop you within a five-minute walk. If you’re driving (like I usually do), there’s a decent-sized parking lot about 200 meters away. Just follow the brown tourist signs once you’re in the city center. And ya know what? Walking is actually my favorite way to get there – you’ll discover some amazing little medieval streets along the way that most tourists totally miss.

Tips for Visiting

Listen up, ’cause these tips come from someone who’s been here more times than I can count! First off, grab one of those audio guides – they’re totally worth the extra few bucks and will tell you stories about the chapel that even most locals don’t know. Photography is allowed inside, but no flash please – it damages the ancient artwork.

Dress appropriately – it gets pretty chilly inside (I learned that the hard way!). The chapel still holds regular services, so double-check the schedule to avoid visiting during these times unless you’re planning to attend. Oh, and don’t miss the hidden symbols carved into the misericords – I spent hours discovering new ones each visit!

The volunteer guides are absolute goldmines of information – especially Margaret, who’s been volunteering here for 30 years. She knows stories about this place that aren’t in any guidebook. If you’re interested in the architecture, try to visit during one of their specialist tours – they happen every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 PM.

And hey, bring a small notebook – you’ll want to jot down all the fascinating historical tidbits you’ll learn. Trust me on this one! Last but not least, give yourself at least 90 minutes to really soak in all the details. This isn’t a place you wanna rush through – each visit reveals something new, even to a regular like me!

Location

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