- Address: Strahovské nádvoří 1/132, 118 00 Praha 1, Česko
- Phone: +420 233 107 704
- Website: https://www.strahovskyklaster.cz/
- Founding date: 1140 - 1143 years.
- Working hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00, except on Easter Sunday and December 24-25
In Hradcany, the historic district of Prague , one of the oldest in the Czech Republic and the oldest monastery of the Order of Premonstrants in the world is Strahovsky. It is known for its unique library and the richest collection of Gothic paintings.
A bit of history
The monastery was founded in 1140 near the outpost, thanks to which it got its name (it comes from the word "guard"). Originally, the buildings were wooden, later, by 1143, it was completely rebuilt in stone in Romanesque style.
In 1182 the monastery was rebuilt. In 1258, due to the negligence of one of the monks, it burnt to the ground, and was restored already in the Gothic style. At the beginning of the 18th century the Strahov Monastery was again destroyed, this time by French troops.
If you look at the photos of the Strahov Monastery, you can see elements of both the Baroque style and the Renaissance, and the Gothic style - in this form it was restored under the leadership of the Italian architect Lurago between 1742 and 1758.
Library
The library of the Strahov Monastery in Prague has more than 8 centuries. In the XVII century it contained more than 3000 volumes. During the capture of the Czech Republic by the Swedes, she was plundered, but by the seventies of the seventeenth century the monks had restored most of the books.
In the 18th century, when the imperial decree on the closure of monasteries, which did not benefit society, was issued, the rector of the Strahov Monastery opened a library for public access, thereby saving the monastery. At that time, there were 12,000 volumes.
To date, the library stores more than 130 thousand books (among them there are folios, dating from the 13th century), 2.5 thousand manuscripts. It is famous for its frescoes decorating its Theological and Philosophical halls.
Picture gallery
The collection of paintings was collected in the monastery from the XVII century. In 1834, when the then rector of the monastery decided to catalog the gallery, the collection numbered more than 400 canvases. In 1870 there were already about 1000 copies in it. Today, you can see a permanent exposition where works of the 14th-19th centuries are exhibited; temporary exhibitions also work.
What else to see on the territory of the monastery?
The gate of Strahov Monastery in Prague deserves a separate mention. This is a real work of art.
In addition, there are:
- museums of miniatures and national literature;
- the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary;
- garden.
Brewery and restaurant
The Strahov Monastery in Prague and its brewery is famous. Foam drink has been brewed here for more than 6 centuries. Beer of the Strahov Monastery can be sampled in the brewery itself, in the brewery and in the restaurant. The restaurant of Strahov Monastery is called "Saint Norbert" - just like the beer produced here.
The dishes of national cuisine are served to beer. The restaurant is very popular, so the table should be booked in advance.
Where to live?
Questenberk Hotel is located on the territory of the monastery. In addition, there are hotels and next to Strahov Monastery:
- Rel Lion Hotel;
- Archibald City;
- Boutique Hotel Constans and others.
How to visit the monastery?
Those who visit the Czech Republic in their car, are interested in how to get to Strahov Monastery in Prague (on the map). For example, from Stare Mesto to the monastery can be reached via Chotkova, the whole road will take 12-15 minutes. The monastery can be reached by tram number 22 (to the stop of Pohorelec).
The monastery is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, the ticket costs 120 kroons, children and privileged - 60 (this is 5.5 and 2.8 USD respectively).
Pay attention: monks of the Order of Premonstrants at vows give a vow of silence, so it's pointless to ask them questions.