The Ursuline nuns' building complex in Nagyszombat

In Nagy Lajos Street and in Simor Street, which runs at a right angle to it, there is a large group of buildings of the nuns of the Order of St. Ursula, which consists of a church, a monastery, a boarding school and 3 very popular schools. This female order came to the city from Bratislava in 1724. Their patrons were the archbishop's vicar Pál Spáczay and the primate Esterházy himself, a relative of the first superior - E. Aljozia. After much struggle, they obtained a secure residence in this place and built a small church with donations from pious high priests and nobles. Its foundation stone was laid in 1729, but due to many obstacles, it could only be consecrated in honor of St. Anna in 1776. At first, they had to deal with great difficulties and obstacles from many directions. However, the nun's dowry of 50,000 francs and a charitable donation of 40,000 forints enabled them to buy more land and build suitable premises. Their school quickly gained a good reputation for Hungarian teaching and handicrafts. They had internal and external students from the beginning. Maria Theresa was very kind to them and supported their noble endeavor with a donation of 15,000 forints. After 1798, they had a more spacious boarding house built and they had a 3-class divided school. In 1856, Scitovszky had their apartment expanded for 30,000 francs, and then they built the corner house from a collection. From 1859, they had qualified teachers for their 4-class internal and external divided school. In 1877, the 5th and 6th grades of the elementary school were opened, and in 1891, the 4th grade civil school. And finally, in 1894, the 4th grade women's praeparandia was established. In 1902, for about 60,000 forints - from collections and loans - they built a spacious two-story building as far as Alsópatak Street, so that their buildings now occupy a large square area. Their schools are attended by about 700 students and they have nearly 100 boarders. There are also about 30 places for the Archpriest's foundation. Their teaching, their patriotic upbringing, and their qualified teachers in all subjects deserve great recognition.