Albertine Brothers Monastery on Śpiąca Góra

The Albertine Brothers Monastery on Śpiąca Góra, also called the monastery at Kalatówki, is a monastery and hermitage complex of the Albertine Brothers in Zakopane. It lies within the Tatra Mountains, in the Bystra Valley, on the wooded ridge of Szeroki Kalacki, surrounded by forest on all sides.

History

The complex was built in 1902 under the direction of Brother Albert, that is Adam Chmielowski. The brothers moved here after handing over the earlier monastery in the valley, built in 1898, to the Albertine Sisters. The land was donated by Count Władysław Zamoyski. In 1926 the chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was added.

Fire and reconstruction

In 1977 the monastery and the chapel burned down completely, and only the stone shrine of the Virgin Mary survived. The new monastery was completed in 1984.

What it is used for today

It is an Albertine hermitage: brothers who work in shelters for the homeless rest here in silence. Since 2004 a two-year novitiate has also been held here.

Practical information

• The approach is along a road that starts at the Albertine Sisters' convent at Kalatówki.
• This is a working monastery. Check the rules of entry with the order before your visit.
• Nearby are the Biały Valley and the mountain hut on Hala Kondratowa.