The Church of Our Lady in Panenský Týnec, whose ceiling is vaulted by the open sky, was intended as a continuation of the main convent of Poor Clares in Prague’s Old Town, founded by Saint Agnes of Bohemia. It was built in the High Gothic style and commissioned in 1280 by Habart of Žerotín for pious nuns, allegedly as a token of gratitude for Saint Agnes curing his wife’s infertility. The church was founded somewhat later than the convent. The funds for its construction were donated by Habart’s son Plichta of Žerotín, a famous knight and warrior who fought alongside King John of Luxembourg and Roman King Henry VII. Construction of the cathedral began around 1316 and it was intended to be a three-nave building with two towers. In the second half of the 14th century, Petr Parléř’s royal smelter was proven to have worked here, proof of its extraordinary importance. However, when the monastery building burned down in 1382, there was no motivation to complete the cathedral. Not long afterwards, the complex was destroyed by Hussite troops. After the dissolution of the Order of St Clare, Jan Tuscany took ownership of the convent buildings in 1787. His descendants had the building converted into a castle in the 19th century. The castle is currently used by the municipality of Panenský Týnec, which has its seat, ceremonial hall and library here. The Church of Our Lady in Panenský Týnec | Source: Adobe Stock The completed part of the church consists of a twenty-one-metre-long chancel, whose unfinished walls rise to a height of approximately twenty metres. In 1744, a Baroque bell tower was built on one of the pillars of the church. It is remarkable that the unfinished temple has been preserved for centuries and has not been dismantled for building materials, as is the case with many similar monuments. Almost as if there were still hope that someone would finish building the church… Or perhaps it is because, according to legend, the temple is guarded by the spirit of its founder, Knight Plichty, who was buried here. According to some, the remains of Saint Agnes of Bohemia may also be hidden here. This patron saint of the Czech nation was originally buried somewhere in her Prague convent, but over the centuries her remains were lost and are still being sought today. The temple in Panenský Týnec is said to be located on a powerful positive healing zone in the shape of a cross. According to healers, the zone has the ability to eliminate depression, bring optimism and joy to life, and is also said to help in the treatment of various neurological diseases. Well-trodden paths lead visitors to places with magical energy. Just raise your hands to the open sky, dive deep into your inner self and feel the blissful sense of peace and connection with the entire universe. Small gifts and thank-you notes remain in the recesses of the walls as proof that this magical place has brought relief to many people.