Holy Mountain


In the Czech city ​​of Pribram there is the monastery of Svatá Hora, thanks to which it is also called Svyatogorsk. This is one of the most revered monasteries in the country, it was given the honorary status - Basilica minor. By such title, the Pope of Rome awards only the most majestic and significant temples of the world.

Historical background

The monastery of Holy Mountain in the Czech Republic has long been enveloped in legends and secrets. Initially, this place was inhabited by hermits who prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos. Historians suggest that the first chapel was erected here in the 13th century, although there is still no exact data.

It was a simple structure with a clay floor and a wooden ceiling. It was built as a token of gratitude for the miraculous rescue of the knight Malovec from the robbers. During the attack, the warrior began to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and was able to win. This scene is depicted in a painting located in a monastery.

In the 16th century the monastery was rebuilt and expanded. Money for this was given not only by rich pilgrims, but also by ordinary locals. In this form, the monastery has come down to our days, however, it was restored several times.

Miracles associated with the temple

In the Middle Ages pilgrims from all over the Czech Republic began to flock to the Holy Mountain. Especially there were a lot of them when a miracle occurred with Jan Prochazka. It was a simple artisan who, blinded by an accident. In his sleep an elder appeared to him, who ordered to go to the monastery and bow to the Mother of God.

Jan fulfilled the will of the saint and settled in the monastery. After 3 days, Prochazka received his sight. This case was confirmed by numerous witnesses and documented by doctors.

Description of the monastery

The monastery is made in the Baroque style and is a temple complex, the main church of which is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is located on a high platform made of stone, and is considered one of the most beautiful in Central Europe. Near the main entrance the cherry orchard is broken.

The monastery of Holy Mountain is surrounded by a rectangular gallery, where in each corner there are closed 8-faceted chapels. They are crowned with rooftops made in the form of a bell. The walls are decorated with unique frescoes, which tell the story of the monastery, and plots from the life of the Virgin.

The age of the paintings exceeds several hundred years. The famous masters of that time created paintings. Today images are a national treasure. In the monastery it is also worth paying attention to the magnificent stucco and noble harmony of colors.

Artifacts of the Temple

Svyatogorsky monastery is a real work of art. While visiting the monastery, pay attention to such ancient objects as:

  1. A statuette of the Virgin Mary - it was fulfilled by Archbishop Arnosht of pear tree. The sculpture has a large number of clothes, which it is constantly given by parishioners.
  2. Altar - it is in the main church. For its facing used pure silver.
  3. The Pilgrimage Museum - there are exhibitions, which feature works of art and valuable exhibits, stored in the Holy Mountain Fund.

Features of visit

The entrance to the monastery is free, but it is forbidden to come here as a part of the excursion . Only the faithful pilgrims can visit the monastery. The doors of the temple are open every day from 06:30 until 18:00.

How to get there?

To the main entrance of the monastery is a beautiful covered staircase, which in the beginning of the XVIII century was built by architect K. Dinzenhofer. It is located on the street Dlouhá, the ascent begins near the coffee shop Schody. The domes and towers of the Holy Mountain are visible from afar, so they are the main landmark. You can get here from the city center by roads Nos. 18 and 118. The distance is 5 km.