Augustinian Monastery- Mendel's Museum
The Old Brno Monastery, currently managed by the Augustinian order, has origins tracing back to the early 14th century as a nunnery established by the women's Cistercian order.
The monastery's founding is tied to Eliška Rejčka, a Polish princess with a dramatic life story:
- Orphaned at a young age after her father's death
- Sought-after figure in European royal circles
- Married and widowed multiple times
- Stepped away from royal politics to live as an independent, wealthy woman
- Lived openly with her lover, Henry of Lipá
- Moved to Brno and founded the nunnery
Eliška generously endowed the monastery, allowing the construction of a magnificent church, one of the finest examples in the Czech lands.
The monastery flourished until the late 18th century when Emperor Joseph II dissolved many religious orders.
The Augustinians took over the monastery, bringing new purpose to the site:
- Became one of the richest monasteries in Moravia
- Significant centre of education
- Home to notable figures like Gregor Mendel and Leoš Janáček
Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics
- Conducted ground-breaking experiments on heredity in the monastery's garden
- Laid the foundation for the field of genetics
- Involved in various scientific and civic activities
- His legacy celebrated at the Mendel Museum, operated by Masaryk University
Leoš Janáček
- Joined the monastery's prestigious boys' choir at age 11
- Developed musical talents under composer monk Pavel Křížanský
- Became one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century
The monastery serves as a testament to Brno's rich historical, scientific, and cultural legacy.
Monastery Square, Staré Brno - 1900