Carmelite convent in Hradčany - Hradčanské nám. 184/3

The Monastery of the Barefoot Carmelites in Malá Strana near the Church of St. Joseph was the first convent of the Barefoot Carmelites in the Czech lands in the years 1655–1782. After the abolition of the convent, the Institute of English Virgins moved to the monastery, and in 1792 the Carmelites returned from their temporary residence in Pohled to another monastery in Hradčany near the church of St. Benedict, who liberated the abolished Barnabit Convent. The founder, the first prior of the monastery was the Venerable Mother Elekta (1605–1663), who was buried in the chapel of St. Elijah in the monastery garden. Her "miraculously intact" (naturally mummified) body was later lifted and is now on display in the Church of St. Benedict in the later seat of the Carmelites in Hradčany. The monastery of bare karmelite sisters in Malá Strana at the church of St. Joseph was the first convent of bare karmelite in the Czech territory founded between 1655-1782. After the abolition of the convent, the institute of English virgins was moved to the monastery. In 1792, the Carmelites returned from their temporary seat in Pohled to another convent in Hradčany near the church of St. Benedict, which was abandoned by the abolished Convention of the Barnabis. The founder and the first priest of the monastery, was the venerable Mother Elekta (1605-1663), who was buried in the Chapel of St. Elijah in the monastery garden. Her "miraculously intact" (naturally mummified) body was later elevated and is now exhibited in the church of St. Benedict in the later seat of the Carmelites in Hradčany.

An oasis of calm. You can just come and gain peace. Fortna also offers a rich spiritual and non-spiritual program.

An oasis of peace, humility and an amazing view of Prague, where a life-weary pilgrim can rest and gain the strength to live in this divided world.

The architectural complex in the Baroque style is located in the southwestern side of the Hradčany Square. This is a monastery of barefoot Carmelites. Sisters of the Order observe a strict charter and lead a contemplative lifestyle. The Order itself originated in the 16th century, separated from the main Carmelite branch. The first barefoot Carmelites arrived in Prague in 1655, led by the future prioress, Maria Elektra. The nuns settled in the house of Waldstein, and for their monastery began to rebuild the church of St. Benedict. The project for the reconstruction of the building in the Baroque style was executed by Carlo Lurago. The work dragged on for almost a hundred years, so the nuns had to occupy an unfinished complex. Emperor Joseph II in 1786 abolished the cloister. The congregation of English virgins was transferred to the monastery from Lazansky Palace. The building was rebuilt in a classic style, equipped with classrooms. Emperor Leopold II again promoted the return of the Carmelite Order to Prague. Until 1950, the complex was the abode of the Order. With the arrival of the Communists, the temple building was expropriated, repaired, furnished with modern furniture, equipped with expensive chandeliers and carpets. So in the former monastery a hotel was opened for high-ranking officials of the new regime, with a restaurant and conference rooms. With the collapse of Czechoslovakia, and the departure of the Communists from the political life of the country, in 1991 the monastery was restored, and in 1992 the nuns returned to the monastery. The sisters auctioned up the expensive property left over from the party inn and began to live again in accordance with their strict statutes. The main shrine of the monastery are the relics of Mother Superior Maria Electra. She died in 1663 and was buried in the monastery garden, in the chapel of St. Elias. During the flood, the coffin was carried by the flow of water from the underground premises of the chapel. To the amazement of the nuns, the body of Marie-Electra and her clothes were untouched by decomposition. Now the sacred mummy is located at the altar, - it can be seen when visiting the monastery church of St. Benedict, where services are held regularly.

Thank you very much for a wonderful tour. Our seniors of the 1st World Championship of the Czech Red Cross group are leaving very excited.

Kind, sweet, kind people! They help everyone - place comfortably, feed deliciously. A wonderful garden with blooming magnolia, a lovely lawn, a stunning view of Prague from the terrace and the observation deck??

They do great things for the public. Now accommodating Ukrainian refugees, I offered them material assistance, they immediately responded with arrived for furniture within a few days. Perfect! I recommend watching them on fb and going there for some action! ...

Amazing, quiet and open place in the center of Prague, suitable for stopping, relaxing from the daily hustle and bustle and meditating in silence of the church or monastery with God. One of the few churches in Prague where it is possible to come, sit and stay in silence for most of the day without paying the entrance fee. Thanks to the Carmelite brothers for this deed!