Klášter paulánů (Nová Paka) Monastery

Welcome to New Pace. Right now, you are facing one of the most important cultural and religious units in this region. Before your eyes is a former Baroque monastery of paulans, a place that has been the spiritual and social heart of this city for centuries. Even though morning prayers no longer take place here in the monastery cells, the air still radiates the nobility and tranquility that is so typical of this area. Feel this atmosphere, feel the history that is written in every stone and in every facial detail of these buildings.

Let's go back to the deep past together to understand how this place came to be. The whole story of this monastery began in 1655 when its foundation stone was laid. But it wasn't a random act. The creation of this important place was initiated by the nobleman Rudolf of Tiefenbach and his wife Maria Eva, who saw not only a religious act in this project, but also a way to increase the prestige of the whole area. Their efforts have made this place an important pilgrimage place over time that has fundamentally affected the life and importance of New Paka. The whole construction process was gradual and required patience. While the monastery was festively opened in 1701, the completion of the new Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is now dominated, required two more decades and was completed only in 1724.

Now pay attention to the architecture surrounding you. Although the particular names of architects remain unknown in history, their genius vision is evident at every turn. If you look at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, try to think about its unusual geometry. Its floor plan is not standard, but consists of five intersecting ellipses. This complex and harmonious geometry creates a unique dynamic within the space, which you will find few places in the Baroque period. Also look at the Baroque rosary staircase, which was built in 1735. It's the real jewel of this compound. It is exactly 50 degrees, and its curves are designed to act monumentally while at the same time pushing pilgrims towards humble progress towards divine. Feel how these shapes intertwine and how the Baroque style seeks to combine human efforts with the celestial order.

But when you look at these buildings, you should see not only the stones and the raspberry, but also the faces of the people who left their mark. In addition to the founders, Rudolf of Tiefenbach and Marie Eva, a number of other important figures are associated with this place. Names like Bohumír Kapoun ze Svojkova or Mořic Adolf appear in the history of the monastery. These people, whether as spiritual or as persons associated with the future destiny of the complex, helped to fight the story that lasts until today. Every character that went through these gates added another layer of meaning to his rich history.

And it is in history that there is the greatest mystery that can surprise you now. You may think the history of this place began in the seventeenth century, but the truth is much older and more mysterious. The existence of the chapel in this place dates back to 1034. This is almost six centuries before the first stone of the Baroque monastery was laid. But how did sanctity get to this place? The legend and historical records say that a painting or statue of the Virgin Mary was found in nearby mines. It was this discovery that made this place a sacred point in the early Middle Ages and laid the foundations for everything you see today. It's a fascinating idea that you're standing in a place that was considered sacred over a thousand years ago.

But time passes relentlessly, and even such important places must face change. In 1785, a crucial turning point came. As part of the Josephine reforms, the monastery was abolished. Religious life here in its original form ended, but the site didn't die. On the contrary, his functions have transformed and the site has become part of the civilian life of the city. In these areas, at different times, various objects, such as hospitals, and even theatre, worked. This transformation from the spiritual centre to a place serving human needs, care for both sick and culture, shows the incredible resilience of this place. The monastery may have lost its original mission, but it has gained new, social value.

Now, however, I will no longer hold you back from further examination. I suggest you continue your search and pay attention to details you may have missed at first glance. Look at the facade of the buildings, see the dimensions of the space and try to imagine how life was going here hundreds of years ago. Whether you choose to focus on the architecture of the church or take the road up the stairs, let yourself be carried by the atmosphere of this extraordinary place. Thank you for spending this moment with us. I wish you a beautiful and inspiring walk through the history of New Paka. I'll say goodbye and wish you a pleasant further acquaintance.