Why this Czech pilgrimage church is built entirely around the number five

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Perched on a hill in Žďár nad Sázavou, this UNESCO-listed masterpiece defies traditional religious architecture. Architect Johann Santini Aichel fused Baroque and Gothic styles to create a space where light acts as a structural element, all while embedding complex mathematical symbolism dedicated to the legend of Saint John of Nepomuk.

Commissioned by Abbot Václav Vejmluva in 1719, the Pilgrimage Church of Saint John of Nepomuk was a direct response to the discovery of incorruptible remains in the saint's tomb at St. Vitus Cathedral. Santini Aichel, known for his unique blend of Borrominiesque Baroque and Gothic sensibilities, designed the structure with a heavy emphasis on geometry. The project was completed with remarkable speed, seeing dedication by 1722, though finishing touches continued until 1727.

The building is defined by the number five, a reference to the five stars said to have appeared above the saint upon his death. This numerical obsession dictates the layout: the perimeter alternates between five triangular and five oval chapels. Santini utilized a compass to draft the entire structure on circular arcs, integrating additional symbolic numbers like three for the Trinity and six for Saint Mary. This mathematical precision aimed to create an independent spatial reality, moving far beyond the conventional religious designs of the era.

Inside, the church employs a sophisticated play of light to manipulate the visitor's perception. While the central area receives only indirect illumination, the surrounding walkways are flooded with brightness, which filters through ogive arches. This creates the illusion that the walls are mere shells and that the building is supported by light itself. The interior serves as a reliquary, with the main altar featuring five angels and a sphere adorned with five stars, underscoring the saint's presence. Despite a devastating fire in 1784 that necessitated roof alterations, the church remains a testament to Santini's creative potency and his mastery of symbolic architecture.

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