Strahov Monastery
Monastery in Prague
Perched on the heights of Petřín Hill with sweeping views over Prague, Strahov Monastery is one of the city’s oldest and most distinguished religious sites. Founded in 1120 by Saint Norbert, the monastery became the home of the Premonstratensian order in 1143 and has remained in continuous use ever since. At one time, its scale and influence rivaled that of the royal court, and despite centuries of upheaval, it remarkably survived Joseph II’s mass closure of monasteries in the 18th century by positioning itself as a scholarly institution—thanks in no small part to its extraordinary library collection.
The Strahov Library is one of the monastery’s most treasured features, holding over 200,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts and early printed works. Visitors are welcomed into two spectacular halls: the Theological Hall, with its elaborately carved wooden shelves and ceiling frescoes, and the Philosophical Hall, crowned by a stunning fresco titled The Spiritual Development of Mankind. Though photography inside the library requires an extra fee, the dazzling artistry of the interiors makes it well worth it. Equally captivating is the Basilica of Our Lady, where Baroque splendor meets spiritual reverence; legend has it that Mozart played the organ here during his 1787 visit to Prague.
Art lovers will find more to explore in the monastery’s Picture Gallery, accessible via the peaceful cloisters. The collection focuses on religious paintings, ornate church vessels, and reliquaries that reflect centuries of devotional craftsmanship and ecclesiastical heritage. Each corner of the monastery tells a different story—from its sacred spaces to its scholarly pursuits—making it a multifaceted destination that goes beyond its spiritual function.
For those looking to balance culture with indulgence, Strahov Monastery doesn’t disappoint. The on-site brewery, originally founded by the monks in the 17th century and now beautifully revived, serves craft beer and traditional Czech fare in an inviting setting. For a more atmospheric experience, venture down to Pelko, a restaurant housed in the monastery’s old cellar, playfully named “hell” (peklo) in Czech. With candlelit tables tucked into the historic stone vaults, it’s an unexpected yet fitting way to end a visit that spans the sacred, the scholarly, and the satisfyingly indulgent.
The Strahov Monastery appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!
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Visiting Strahov Monastery
Monday – Sunday 9:00-17:00
190.00 Kč
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