Starý špitál Almshouse

Starý špitál in Přibyslavi is a baroque building from 1692, which served for about 250 years as a shelter for the poor. It's important that he helps people affected by the 30-year war. To this day, it is protected as a cultural monument.

In 1692, the building was built by Prince Ferdinand z Ditrichštejna at the request of the Pribyslav conseys. The city provided land for this purpose. The need for a new facility arose because Přibyslav, after a 30-year war with great difficulty, cared for people who lost their homes as a result of the conflict.

The original Gothic building was two shield with high roofs covered with shingles. In 1767, however, the building was completely destroyed by the great fire of the city. The subsequent repair was already made in the form of a single shield object. The sign of the Ditrichstein family line is still displayed on the hospital shield.

The spy was intended for seven old women from Přibyslavi and Polna in honor of the Seven Painful Virgin. In order to be able to reside here, their poverty had to be confirmed by the Supreme Council and by the priest of the city. The facility worked as a so-called Poverty House in the 1930s; In October 1932, for example, 11 women were accommodated.

The life of hospitals regulated specific rights and obligations. The housekeeper was assigned to serve and cook them. Each woman had a weekly entitlement to 1,5 funtas of meat (approximately 0,84 kg), which was higher during 14 holidays. Standards for annual consumption of cheese, fat, salt, milk, cabbage, carrots, soaps, candles and wood were also established. Every day, women get two beer bars. For the care of their appearance, they found new clothes once every three years and a new coat every six years. The duty was to attend Mass every day and to bless the afternoon. The building could only be abandoned in pairs after the housekeeper announced. The entrance to the outpost rooms was prohibited under the threat of exclusion.

After reconstruction in 1998, the building served as a city museum and information centre. Currently, it is a space for organizing exhibitions and concerts.

The history of this place offers insight into social care and everyday living in past centuries. It is advisable to visit it in order to better understand the history of the local community.