Strahov Monastery, founded in 1140 by King Vladislav II, is famous not only for its beautiful architecture and tranquil setting, but also for its magnificent library which contains more than 220,000 books – some of which are more than 1000 years old.
Strahov Monastery has been a working monastery of the religious order of White Cannons since the 12th century. Over the course of its life the monastery has been destroyed by fire, bombarded by French troops and ransacked by Czech’s Protestant Hussites as well as invading armies. Its activity was severely restricted from 1950 until 1989, when it was occupied by the communists.
The Library’s collection of books is found in two Baroque buildings – The Theological Hall and the Philosophical Hall.
The Theological Hall was built in Baroque style by Giovanni Domenico Orsi between 1671 and 1679. In 1727, when the Hall was extended, the ceilings were lavishly decorated with frescoes painted by Siard Nosecký, upon the theme of knowledge. Above the hall doors are locked cabinets in which prohibited books were kept – permission to read these books, by heretical authors such as Nicolas Copernicus, had to be sought from the Abbot.
The Philosophical Hall was built between 1782 and 1784 by Jan Ignaz Palliardi. The large fresco on the ceiling was painted by Austrian painter Franz Anton Maulbertschand and displays how humankind’s pool of knowledge has increased through the two complimentary routes of revelation and science.
The Strahov monastery's church , dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, was originally a Romanesque basilica, and has been rebuilt over the years in Gothic, Renaissance and finally in Baroque style in the 17th century. It is decorated with frescos of the Blessed Virgin Mary and scenes from the life of St. Norbert, founder of the religious order who run the monastery.
The Monastery also contains a picture gallery that exhibits works of art spanning the period from the 14th to the 19th centuries.
The Monastery Garden offers views of the city and contains a cafe where you can even purchase a glass of beer made by the cannons (monks).
Opening Times & Prices :
Library: Daily 9am-12pm & 1pm & 5pm
Entrance Fee: 80 Czech Crown
Address:
Strahovské nádvorí 1/132
Mala Strana, Prague 1
(Located near Prague castle and Petrin Hill)
Tel: 00420 233 107 711
How to get there
Metro: A - Malostranska then 20 min walk or take tram 22 or 23 from the metro to Pohorelec
Tram: Or if travelling from the old or new town take tram 22 or 23 direct to Pohorelec.
External Links:
Official Web Site
|
