Dvůr Králové nad Labem

In the years 1723 and 1732, an important Central European Baroque sculptural work was gradually created in Nový Les [New Forest] between Kuks and Dvůr Králové nad Labem, which due to its central motif of the Nativity acquired the name Bethlehem. The founder and patron of this natural gallery was Count František Antonín Špork. The scupltures in it were created by Matyáš Bernard Braun and his helpers, which included prominent Czech sculptors. The work is carved into rock, which ensures it exceptional status in European 18th century sculptural art. Of the original site, due to various factors, only the torso remains. Even so, visitors can admire, for example, the relief of the Nativity and the arrival of the Three Kings, a set of statues at Studna Jákobova [Jacob’s Well], a massive statue of hermit Juan Garin in front of the cave, a statue of hermit Onufri, a badly damaged statue of St. John the Baptist, a statue of St. Mary Magdalene, and a relief of the vision of St. Hubert.