Nestled in the picturesque hills of the Castle District, the Strahov Monastery stands is a testament to the Czech Republic’s rich religious and cultural heritage. Founded in the 12th century by a group of Premonstratensian monks, it is still the centre of the order because the remains of their patron saint, St Norbert, were brought here in the 17th century. St Norbert originally established the community in a French village called Prémontré, hence the name of the order.
During World War II and the subsequent Communist era, the monks were expelled, only returning after the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Since then, they have reconstructed the monastery buildings and started brewing their own beer, St Norbert, alongside more than twenty others. The Strahov Monastery Brewery and Restaurant are renowned for their excellent Czech cuisine and unique atmosphere. From the main entrance, it is an easy fifteen-minute walk to Prague Castle, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views overlooking the valley.
Amidst such beauty, it is hard to believe that the Strahov Monastery has witnessed so many dramatic moments during its long history. Although it was founded by one of the future Czech kings, Vladislav I, and the name Strahov probably comes from the Czech word for ‘guard’ (‘strážit’), it was never fully incorporated into the Prague Castle defence system. Due to its vulnerable position, it suffered many fateful attacks. In the 15th century, it was burnt down during the Hussite Wars, along with many other churches and monasteries that fell victim to radical Protestant warriors and reformers. In the 17th century, the Swedish army laid siege to the Castle and took precious volumes and manuscripts from the Strahov library to Sweden, where they are still on display.
No wonder most of its Romanesque and Gothic parts are gone, and even the Baroque parts had to be rebuilt several times.The current appearance of the Strahov Monastery is the result of contributions from the best Baroque architects of Italian, French and German origin in the 17th and 18th centuries, including Anselmo Lurago, Ignatius Palliardi, Giovanni Domenico Orsi, Jan Baptista Mathey and K. I. Dientzenhofer.
Apart from the Strahov Brewery/Restaurant, the most popular attraction is the Strahov Library. This contains not just one, but two magnificent Baroque libraries with stunning frescoed ceilings and ornate wooden bookcases.
During your self-guided tour, you can glimpse into the smaller Theological Hall and the larger Philosophical Hall. You will also see a cabinet of curiosities containing natural history exhibits such as shells and other sea creatures, as well as weapons, medieval manuscripts, old globes and other objects.
Please note that you will only be able to view the libraries from the doorway, in order to protect the precious manuscripts, books, and frescoes from damage (too many visitors inside would increase the humidity). The library contains some of the oldest books and manuscripts in existence; the oldest manuscript (the Strahov Gospel Book) dates back to at least the 9th century! Private tours of the library rooms are available, but are much more expensive than self-guided tours and require prior reservation.
If you are interested in religious art and artefacts, you can also visit the Strahov Art Gallery, which houses around two hundred works from the 14th to the 20th century (separate ticket required for self-guided tours). Guided tours of the Strahov Gallery are only available as part of a tour of Strahov Abbey, which includes the cloisters, refectories, Chapter Hall, Romanesque halls and Paradise Courtyard (separate ticket required). Admission to the nearby Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is free, but only the area near the entrance. The rest is accessible during church services, including the Chapel of St. Norbert, located to the left of the main altar and containing the saint’s remains. While it dates back to the 18th century, the building also incorporates older Romanesque and Gothic elements.
If you are undecided about which Baroque library to visit, the Strahov or the Klementinum, you may find the following information helpful. The Strahov Library has better lighting than the Klementinum, so you can take better photos and videos there. The Strahov Library is also more easily accessible, with fewer steps to climb. The Klementinum, on the other hand, has a climbable spire offering views, but some parts are very narrow and steep, so you can wait for the group instead. Unlike the Strahov Library, the Klementinum does not offer self-guided tours; only guided group tours are available (no private tours). Even if you have already visited the Klementinum, it is still recommended that you see the exterior of the Strahov Library, as the building is architecturally elegant and there are stunning views nearby.
