Klášter bosých karmelitánů na Malé Straně Monastery
The monastery of barefoot carmelitans stands in Carmelite Street at the bottom of the Seminar Garden on the Malá Strana, at the Church of the Virgin Mary of the Victory and Saint Anthony of Padua. At first glance, the monument is modest, but its history and especially its connection with Prague's Jesulátek makes it one of the most interesting places in the Old Town district.
Bosnian carmelitans, a religious order characterized by ascessions and contextual life, came here in 1624 and built an extensive monastery complex on the south side of the church. Just after their arrival, in 1628, a statue was established here to transform the fate of the place. Polyxena z Lobkovic, born of Pernštejn, gave the monasteries a small figure of Jesus - a child. She got it as a wedding gift from her mother, Marie Manrique de Lara y Mendoza, and decided to hand it over to the Carmelitans. Among the monks, the Statue of Jesus became the subject of special respect. First, they put her in a monastery chapel, where she was supposed to teach the young goblins virtues. Over time, however, Jezulátko moved into the very interior of the church, where the faithful built him a separate altar in the Baroque style. Here, his worship grew in intensity.
But the fate of the monastery changed in the late 18th century. In 1784 the monastery was cancelled under Church reforms by Emperor Josef II. The Church of the Virgin Mary was threatened with destruction, as was the worship of Jesus. The altar and all the traditions associated with the statue almost disappeared. Despite the break-up, however, the believers did not forget - in 1879 the altar was restored. The greater perversion in the fate of the monastery came more than two centuries later. In 1993, the barefoot carmelitans returned to their former residence. Since then, monks have been living here again, who cherish and protect the statue of Prague Jesulka until today.
The monastery building is today based on the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, but in the heart of the church remains what made it special - Jesus is still watching over the believers and pilgrims who visit Carmelite Street. The visit to this locale offers a meeting with deep layers of Czech piety and a story that goes beyond time.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1624
- The establishment of the monastery by barefoot carmelitans at the initiative of P. Dominika and Ferdinand II.
- 1628
- Polyxena z Lobkovic dedicated the monastery to the statue of Prague Jesus.
- 1784
- The abrogation of the monastery within the church reforms of emperor Joseph II.
- 1993
- The return of barefoot carmelitans to a small-scale monastery.
Architectural development
The monastery was built as an extensive complex on the south side of the existing church. In the interior of the church, a separate altar was built for Prague's Jesulatko, which was repaired in 1879.
Historical events
1624: the establishment of a monastery by barefoot carmelitans; 1628: donation of the statue of the Prague Jesuit; 1784: abrogation of the monastery in the context of the Josephine reforms; 1993: the return of barefoot carmelitans.
Owners
Bosnian carmelitans (1624-1784), State (after the cancellation of 1784), Bosnian carmelitans (return in 1993)
Points of interest
The Bosnian Carmelitans came here in 1624 and built an extensive monastery complex. - Polyxena z Lobkovic dedicated a small figure to Jesus - a child. - In 1784 the monastery was cancelled by Emperor Josef II. In 1879, the altar was restored. In 1993, barefoot carmelitans returned to their former mansion.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
The Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites is located on Karmelitská Street on the Lesser Town, in the lower part of the Seminářská Garden. It stands next to the Church of Our Lady Victorious and Saint Anthony of Padua, which is also called the Church of the Infant Jesus of Prague. Therefore, the monastery is sometimes also called the Monastery of the Infant Jesus of Prague.
The Discalced Carmelites came here in 1624, to a monastery that already existed. On the southern side of the church, they then built an extensive monastic complex. Today, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Physical Education is located there.
The monastery is closely connected with a precious statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague, that is, Jesus as a child. In 1628, Polyxena of Lobkowicz, born Pernstein, donated it to the Lesser Town monastery. She herself received it as a wedding gift from her mother, Marie Manrique de Lara y Mendoza. The monks grew very fond of the statue. At first, they placed it in the monastery chapel, where young monks were to learn virtues from the Infant Jesus. Later, the Infant Jesus was moved to the Church of Our Lady Victorious and received its own altar there in the baroque style.
In 1784, the monastery was abolished as part of the church reforms of Emperor Joseph the Second. The Church of Our Lady Victorious then fell into disrepair, as did the altar, and the veneration of the Infant Jesus almost ceased. The altar was restored in 1879.
The Discalced Carmelites returned to the Lesser Town monastery in 1993. The monks here care for the Infant Jesus statue to this day.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, where fewer people are around and the light hits the facades more pleasantly.
We recommend to bring comfortable shoes for walking through historic alleys and, due to the nature of the site, choose a respectful outfit.
For the best photos look for the angles that link the monastery to the Church of Our Lady of Victory; The best light is just before sunset.
In the immediate vicinity, within 30 minutes walk, visit the Church of the Virgin Mary of the Victory, Seminar Gardens or explore the entire Little Party. For families with children, the surroundings are suitable for a quiet walk, but we recommend keeping quiet in the monastery.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
Religious buildings are usually open mainly during services; at other times a visit is normally arranged with the parish or the operator. We have not verified specific times.
Where is the monument?
Location: Karmelitská 529/5, Malá Strana, Praha, Hlavní město Praha. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 38933/1-496).
For kids
Imagine going back to the past to Prague, which was still a small town. The town was full of chateaux, churches and narrow streets. There was a beautiful monastery of barefoot carmelitans on the Lesser Side. It was like a hidden kingdom in the heart of the city.
How did it look here? Who lived here? What happened here? Imagine you're a little magician and you have the ability to see the past. If you approach the monastery, you'll see how it works. The builders display bricks and stones to create beautiful Baroque architecture.
Businesses nearby
Do you run a restaurant, accommodation, shop, museum, rental, wellness or other visitor service near this monument? Show yourself directly to the people heading to it — this is how they will see you in the app and on the web:
Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
Church of the Virgin Mary Victory, Seminar Gardens, Malá Strana
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
Affiliate link: if you buy from the partner, we may receive a commission. The price for you does not change.
Search tours and activities →Themed route
1. Seminar Gardens, Garden: They offer a pleasant environment for starting a trip in a quiet green area. 2. Church of the Virgin Mary Victory, Church: This building represents an important religious point in the surroundings. 3. Klášter bosých karmelitánů na Malé Straně, monastery: The main destination of the journey, which consumes you with its history and spiritual peace. 4. Malá Strana, district: Ideal place for a final walk through historic streets.
Seasonal recommendations
In spring, the monastery surrounds the waking green and fine morning light, which gives the place a fresh breath. The atmosphere is calm and hopeful. We recommend wearing more layers of clothing because temperatures may fluctuate. The best time to visit is in the morning before the first major waves of visitors appear in the streets of the Little Party.
Summer months bring sharp sun and hot air that contrasts with the cold of thick monastery walls. The surrounding area is full of colors and urban hustle. Due to the high season, it is advisable to come right at the opening to avoid the biggest crowds. Choose light and airy clothes and don't forget enough fluids.
In autumn, the surroundings of the monument turn into golden tones and morning fog creates a mysterious, meditative mood. The light is softer and more saturated, which is ideal for observing architecture. It is practical to wear moisture-resistant shoes and visit in the afternoon when the sun touches the facades pleasantly.
In winter, the monastery is quiet and spiritual, especially if snow covers the surface. The atmosphere is cramped and intimate, typical of advent time.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
View from the area
This animation was generated by artificial intelligence from a real photograph of the surroundings. The motion and details are not real footage of the location.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
Tips from visitors
No tips yet. Be the first!
Log in and add your tip.
Sources and literature
Photos: VitVit / CC BY-SA 4.0, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
More monuments – Malá Strana
Show all in the municipality
Příběhy a pověsti
Legendy, pověsti a příběhy spjaté s touto památkou
Fotografie návštěvníků
Zatím žádné fotografie. Buďte první, kdo přidá fotografii z návštěvy!
Log in a přidejte svou fotografii nebo hodnoťte.
Za ověřenou návštěvu v aplikaci získáte víc bodů — poznáme podle GPS, že jste na místě.
Reviews and comments