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The Strahov Monastery, a serene complex in Prague, not only boasts a rich history as a Catholic church but also features a renowned brewery where visitors can enjoy traditional Czech brews.
Czech name: Strahovský klášter
Prague sightseeing gives many opportunities to view awesome sites and the unique contents they contain. It is miraculous how such a variety of structures and artifacts have managed to survive over a long length of time and are available for so many generations to see and appreciate.
This amazing Strahov Monastery, founded in 1140 by Prince Vladislav II., built and rebuilt multiple times since then, is one of the Czech Republic’s most prominent architectural landmarks. The Communist Party seized control of the complex in 1950, but after the 1989 “Velvet Revolution”, it once again belonged to the Premonstratensian Order, which has 75 members and is actively involved doing pastoral work.
Location & How to Get to Strahov Monastery
The Strahov Monastery is located at the back of Petřín Hill and Prague Castle. The address of the Monastery is Strahovské nádvoří 1/132.
If you plan to travel by public transport, take a Funicular railway to Petřín Hill or the 22 tram from the city centre to Pohořelec.
Parking only outside the premises. The nearest paid parking is at the Pohořelec Square.
Strahov Monastery Prague Opening Hours & Entry
The Monastery offers two separate tours – Strahov Library and Strahov Gallery.
The Strahov Picture Gallery is located in the Strahov Monastery, which is adjacent to the Basilica of the Assumption. The gallery houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The collection includes works by some of the most famous artists of the period, such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck.
The Strahov Library is open daily (except for the 24th and 25th of December, Easter Sunday and April) from 9am to 5pm (lunchtime break from 12pm to 1pm).
Strahov Monastery entrance fee
Entrance fee for adults is 150 CZK, reduced (children and students up to 27 plus teachers with cards ISIC, ITIC and ICOM) 80 CZK and family ticket is for 300 CZK. Children up to 6 years and handicapped persons are free of charge.
The Strahov Gallery is open daily (except for the 24th and 25th of December, Easter Sunday and April) from 9am to 5pm (lunchtime break from 12pm to 1pm). Entrance fee for adults is 150 CZK, reduced (children and students up to 27 plus teachers with cards ISIC, ITIC and ICOM) 80 CZK and family ticket is for 300 CZK. Children up to 6 years and handicapped persons are free of charge.
The entrance fee into the Monastery library, Prague and Gallery together is 280 CZK for adults, reduced 140 CZK and family ticket is for 500 CZK. Children up to 6 years and handicapped persons are free of charge.
What to Do & What to See at Prague’s Monastery Strahov
The Strahov Monastery is not just a place of pilgrimage. It also offers to see the museum and a famous Strahov library. The library is located in the Philosophical and Theological halls. The Theological hall is decorated with beautiful frescoes and you can find there a collection of astronomical and geographical globes. The Philosophical hall is also decorated by a ceiling fresco.
Strahov Monastery Hotel
The Strahov Monastery hotel is a romantic hotel located inside the compound of the Strahov Monastery in Prague, as a part of the Monastery. The Monastery hotel is open to visitors who decide to spend a night at the Monastery, or outrightly lodge in the hotel.
The Strahov Monastery hotel is equipped with well air conditioned rooms, excellent WiFi service, flat screen televisions as well as very comfy beds. The hotel also accepts pets, has an amazing breakfast menu, and also has an excellent bike rentals service. You should check out this amazing hotel while visiting the Monastery.
History of the Strahov Monastery
The monastery was constructed near a path that led to Prague Castle, a residence of Bohemian Kings, where guards stood watch. “Strahov” is derived from the Czech “strahovat”, which means to stand guard. History of this monastery started with establishment of the Premonstratensians. It didn’t survive unharmed throughout the centuries – it was plundered during the Hussite Wars and also during the Thirty Years’ War. After the era of Communist regime the Monastery was returned to the Premonstratensians.
A Beacon of Faith in Prague
The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady is a Gothic church in Prague, Czech Republic. It was founded in the 12th century by Jindřich Zdík, the founder of the Premonstratensian order. The church was completed in the 14th century and is one of the largest and most important Gothic churches in the Czech Republic.
The Virgin Mary is the patron saint of the Basilica of the Assumption. A statue of the Virgin Mary is located in the main altar of the church. The statue is said to have been miraculous and has been credited with many miracles.
The organ in the Basilica of the Assumption is one of the largest and most famous organs in the Czech Republic. It was built in the 17th century and has been played by some of the most famous organists in the world, such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The Church of St. Roch is located near the Basilica of the Assumption. It was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Saint Roch, the patron saint of plague victims. The church is a popular pilgrimage destination and is said to have miraculous powers.
