Špitál - Kaple svatého Aloise Almshouse

Welcome to Upper Branne. Right now, you're standing in front of a place that carries a deep human story about care, gratitude and helping a neighbor. In front of you is the chapel of St. Alois, who is now a silent witness to the history of this place. If you look at it, you might only see a small sacral structure in it, but it's actually the only real piece of a much larger entity that once surrounded this area. Feel the atmosphere of this place and try to imagine what the surroundings looked like over 300 years ago.

Let us now move in time deep into the past, namely to the year of these seven hundred and ten. It was this year that he had the hospital built and the adjacent chapel of the nobleman Alois Tomáš Raimund Harrach. At that time, it was not a hospital in today's sense, but a social facility that was supposed to serve as a safe haven for people who spent their lives serving the count's family. Imagine old servants who could no longer do their job, but deserved a dignified age without fear of poverty and hunger. It was for them that this complex was created.

Now pay attention to the chapel itself that stands before you. Look at her facade and see her baroque character. It is important to note that while other parts of the original hospital have long since disappeared, this chapel has been preserved. It's the only authentic element from the original Baroque unit you can actually see today. It's fascinating to think that this wall survived all the changes that took place in Upper Branné. In the year one thousand eight hundred seventy-eight there were adjustments when the arched corridors were broken down and space turned into flats, which shows how people's needs changed over time.

The key character of this place was Alois Tomáš Raimund Harrach. His decision to build this hospital is indicative of his efforts at the time to ensure social security for those who were vulnerable in life. For the people who lived here, it wasn't just a roof over their heads. The hospital gave them complete care. The residents had provided accommodation, enough food and suitable clothes. What is particularly remarkable, however, was that these people were given a financial payday each year. This allowed them to live in relative peace and dignity, which was very rare at the time. The chapel served as a spiritual centre where people could find comfort and peace in the last years of their lives.

Here we come to the part that may be surprising to you. If you look around, you'll see newer buildings. You may be wondering why the chapel stands alone. The original hospital was demolished in the year one thousand nine hundred eighty-seven. The construction was in such a bad condition that it was no longer possible to save her. A new copy was subsequently built in its place to maintain the appearance of the area. However, the chapel was saved much earlier, already in the year one thousand nine hundred fifty-eight was declared a cultural monument. It is thanks to this recognition that today we can admire the real construction from the year of tyre seven hundred ten, and not just modern reconstruction. It's a little island of authenticity in a sea of change.

If you look at the chapel again, try to realize the contrast. On the one hand, there is the fragility of human life, represented by the old servants who sought refuge here, and on the other hand, there is the durability of the stone and the faith that this building embodies. It's a place that teaches us empathy and reminds us that caring for others is a value that persists for centuries.

Now I leave you to look at the details of the chapel in peace and perhaps in silence imagine what conversations have been made here in the past and what prayers people have been whispering here. I hope this short trip to history has helped you better understand the importance of this small but significant corner of Upper Branne. I wish you a pleasant further journey and I recommend exploring the other beauty of this region. Goodbye.