Karmelitans could move to the new monastery in Drasty near Prague in the spring

architect: Atelier AV 19, s.r.o.

Drasty - The Carmelite Sisters could move into the new monastery in Drasty near Prague next spring. There are still some tasks to complete, such as finishing parts of the floors, doors, electrical wiring, and acquiring kitchen and laundry equipment, sister Marie informed today in a press release on behalf of the community of Carmelite sisters.

To complete the residential part of the monastery, there are still some interior works to be finished, and the community is trying to raise approximately two million crowns from donors as well. The monastery chapel dedicated to St. Teresa of Avila, where public masses will be held, already has the windows and cladding completed, and work continues in the interiors there as well. "We have already managed to secure funds for three bells, and their casting is in sight. We will also be looking for finances for smaller pipe organs," sister Marie described.

The costs of building the monastery are gradually being covered by a loan, which is being repaid from restitution contributions, rents from renovated apartments in the area, from the community's own activities, and also from donor money. Total costs are estimated, based on this spring's estimates, to reach around 250 million crowns.

The entire area in Drasty is protected as a historic site, and renovations began in 2018. The rough construction of the monastery was completed last year, and the sisters currently live in the Panský house, which will serve as accommodation for visitors after their move to the monastery. The sisters will have access to a private internal chapel directly in the residential part, a common dining room, kitchen, recreation room, and other facilities. The building also includes offices, a ceramics workshop, and a small hospital.

The droplet-shaped chapel with a bell tower will metaphorically represent a heart and an arrow, symbolically reminding of the piercing of St. Teresa's heart by an angel, as the community of Discalced Carmelites of the Order of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel will live here. The order was founded in the 12th century on Mount Carmel in Israel and reformed by St. Teresa of Avila in the 16th century in Spain.