“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me.” These words from the Gospel of Matthew encapsulate the spirit of svatá Alžběta. This is not just a church. It is part of a monastery and hospital complex. It stands as a testament to compassionate care in Prague’s Nové Město.
Founded in 1719 the monastery and hospital of svatá Alžběta emerged from a pressing need. Several noble families recognized the lack of facilities for treating the sick after a devastating plague epidemic. Initially the hospital offered only six beds. Later it expanded to twelve.
The establishment of svatá Alžběta was initiated by noble women from prominent Czech families. They included the Thun, Černín, Valdštejn and Schönkirch families. They sought to address the dire need for healthcare facilities after a severe plague.
In 1722 Emperor Charles VI officially sanctioned the project. He allowed the order of Alžbětinek to purchase land in Nové Město called Na Slupi. This marked the beginning of the construction of the monastery. It also included a hospital offering free care to sick women. Kilian Ignác Dientzenhofer a renowned architect was entrusted with the design and construction.
Construction of the svatá Alžběta monastery began in 1726. It was completed in 1732. Noble families provided financial support. The hospital construction began in 1728. Countess Marie Markéta of Valdštejn played a key role. She became a major benefactor of the monastery, hospital and Church of the Virgin Mary.
The hospital at svatá Alžběta was progressive. Unlike other hospitals of the time it employed educated doctors. Nuns doctors and surgeons offered both physical and spiritual care to the sick. They lived by the Alžbětinek motto treating the body and soul.
The hospital at svatá Alžběta once boasted Prague’s largest hospital hall. It spanned two floors. A doctor described it as resembling a grand church. In the 19th century 44 nuns cared for patients.
The hospital reached its peak in the 1930s. It was modernized. It became a significant scientific and teaching institution.
After the Communist takeover in 1948 the hospital was nationalized. Nuns were initially allowed to continue their caregiving. However in 1957 they were forced to leave and were interned in Broumov. The large hall was divided into smaller rooms.
After 1989 the complex was returned to the Alžbětinek order. In 1993 a new entity was established Nemocnice sv. Alžběty Na Slupi s.r.o.. It focuses on providing healthcare services especially follow-up care. Civilian nurses now provide most of the nursing care.
Today the hospital provides both outpatient and long-term care. It offers follow-up inpatient care to patients from Prague and the surrounding areas. They come for treatment after acute hospitalizations surgeries or worsening health conditions.
In October 2024 the revitalized monastery Paradise Garden at svatá Alžběta was opened. It serves patients in their treatment and rehabilitation.
Interestingly the monastery was built on the former garden of pharmacist Augustine. Around 1382 he took it over from pharmacist Onofurus. Augustine grew medicinal plants which he sold in his pharmacy in the house called “U Mouřenínů”.
Svatá Alžběta stands as a reminder of compassion. It shows dedication to caring for the sick. Its history is intertwined with noble patronage religious devotion and the evolution of healthcare. The hospital and monastery continue to serve the community. They embody the enduring legacy of Saint Elizabeth’s selfless service.