Cartesian Monastery in Valditsa

The Cartesian Monastery in Valditz was founded in 1627 by Albrecht von Wallenstein. It is one of the most famous Baroque buildings in Jicina. The monastery complex was a place of strict hermits, whose task was to take care of the tomb of the Wallensteins. Albrecht von Wallenstein wanted to be buried here.

The monastery was abolished in 1782 by decree of Emperor Joseph II, the monks expelled, and Wallenstein's remains transferred to the chapel of Munich. The dilapidated monastery building was a sad picture until the mid-19th century. In 1857, a prison was established there, which is still in operation today.

It is the oldest prison in the Czech Republic and the most difficult place of punishment. Under the communist regime, many political prisoners died here, tortured and deprived of medical care. The prison is still in operation, where the most evil criminals of the Czech Republic are kept.