La Notte di Santini: A Unique Celebration of Cistercian Heritage

The Cistercian monastery landscape of Žďár nad Sázavou recently hosted a series of engaging events as part of the European Heritage Days 2024. Among these, the night tour “La Notte di Santini” attracted significant interest, offering visitors an immersive experience into the life and work of renowned architect Jan Blazej Santini-Aichel.

Santini, celebrated for his innovative designs, contributed to several Cistercian buildings in the Žďár region, including the monastery in Plasy, West Bohemia. His most famous work, the pilgrimage church of St. John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora, marks its 30th anniversary of being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List this year.

The tour, organized by guides from the local parish, featured a unique music-commented format that enhanced the experience. Visitors enjoyed the atmospheric setting of the evening pilgrimage site, complemented by live performances of organ music, violin, and vocal pieces. The program included works by notable composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Gaston Bélier, and Gordon Young.

In a special effort to make the tour inclusive, the first floor of the church was made exceptionally accessible, allowing more visitors to engage with this historic site.

Cisterscapes – Cistercian Landscapes Connecting Europe was awarded the European Heritage Label in 2023.