“Did those curtains just move?” whispered a guest, clutching her companion’s arm as they stood outside the Mater Place Motel. “Don’t be silly,” came the reply, “it’s just the wind.” The Mater Place Motel, despite its unassuming facade, holds a secret history, a hidden echo of a much grander past. This plot of land, now home to budget-friendly accommodation, once reverberated with the hurried footsteps of nurses and the soft murmurs of prayer. Before the Mater Place Motel ever welcomed weary travelers, this very spot was part of the sprawling grounds of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. Founded in 1906 by the Sisters of Mercy, the hospital began its life in a repurposed residence called “Aubigny” in North Quay. It wasn’t until 1910 that the Sisters, under the guidance of Mother Mary Patrick Potter, moved to their permanent home here on a ten-acre site atop College Hill. Imagine, if you will, horse-drawn carriages pulling up to the imposing entrance on Raymond Terrace, delivering anxious patients seeking the Sisters’ compassionate care. The Mater Place Motel may offer comfortable beds and air conditioning today, but it stands as a quiet testament to the healing and hope provided by those dedicated Sisters over a century ago. Their legacy, though hidden beneath layers of time and brick, whispers through the breeze that rustles those motel curtains, a gentle reminder of the enduring power of compassion.
Mater Place Motel
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
More Places in Brisbane
Jolly’s Lookout
A carpet of green stretched out before us, wouldn’t you agree? It seems to go on forever! But what’s that
St. Paul’s Church
What secrets lie beneath these hallowed grounds? St. Paul’s Church, a stately edifice on Vulture Street, possesses a past as
Cleveland Point Lighthouse
A beacon of hope against the vastness of Moreton Bay. That’s what the Cleveland Point Lighthouse represents. Standing proudly on
Samford Cottage Accommodation
Picture this. You are standing before Samford Cottage Accommodation. Nestled on 35 acres of lush green hills it offers peaceful
Sherwood Arboretum
A century of stories whispers through the leaves. Welcome to Sherwood Arboretum a green sanctuary in Brisbane. Established on World