Where the Order Got Its Star

In 1233 the blessed Agnes entrusted the running of her hospital at Saint Francis's, and afterwards at Saint Peter's, to a brotherhood said to have consisted chiefly of fighting men returning from the crusades; the pope confirmed them in 1237. In 1252 the hospital was moved here to the bridge, onto ground given by the widow of Lord Hroznata, and fortified by the new Old Town walls. A church of the Holy Spirit was built beside the convent, but the hospital continued to be called Saint Francis's. To their former emblem, the red cross, the hospital brothers added a six-rayed star — after their first grand master Albrecht of Šternberk, it is said.