8 Must-Visit Monasteries In Prague, Czechia

1. Břevnov Monastery

Founded in the early 990s, Břevnov Monastery, located in the Břevnov district of Prague, Czech Republic, is a Benedictine archabbey. The Adalbert of Prague found this monastery with the help of Duke Boleslav II of Bohemia. Along with being the first male monastery, this site also features the oldest tradition of brewing beers in the country. Although plenty of problems arose back in the days for brewing, it has overcome all the obstacles and still stands as one of the prime locations to brew the beer at Břevnov Monastery.

Břevnov Monastery

Address: Markétská 1/28, 169 00 Praha 6, Czechia

Website: Břevnov Monastery

2. St. George's Convent

Located near St. George’s Square, Prince Boleslav II, and Mlada, his sister, found St. George’s Castle in 973. Renowned as the oldest convent and the first Benedictine female monastery in Bohemia, this spiritual center was the place where girls from well-off families gained their education. It attracted worshippers to visit this monastery because of the St. Ludmila’s Cult that was organized here. The convent and the Basilica attached here is dedicated to St. George. And the convent features an art gallery, Czech National Gallery that includes Bohemian art collection from the 19th century.

St. George's Convent

Address: nám. U Svatého Jiří 33/5, 119 00 Praha 1-Hradčany, Czechia

Website: St. George’s Convent

3. Strahov Monastery

Founded by Vladislav II in 1140, Strahov Monastery was established for the Premonstratensian order. The monastery buildings that visitors see currently were completed during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was functioning well until the communist government took over the place and shut them down and imprisoned most of the monks. The prime attraction here is the lavish Strahov Library. Nestled within the main gate, the monastery features a 1612 Church of St Roch, which is a stunning art gallery and the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, which is built in a baroque style.

Strahov Monastery

Address: Strahovské nádvoří 1/132, 118 00 Praha 1-Strahov, Czechia

Website: Strahov Monastery

Nearby Monasteries

4. Zbraslav Monastery

One of the most renowned monasteries in the Czech Republic, Zbraslav Monastery was founded in 1292 by King Wenceslaus II, which turned into a royal cemetery of the Přemyslid dynasty’s last members. In 1798, this monastery was abolished by Joseph II, the Bohemian Roman Emperor and Holy King. This famous site is also proclaimed for the mindblowing Gothic painting, Madonna of Zbraslav, from the 1340s.

Zbraslav Monastery

Address: Bartoňova 2, 156 00 Zbraslav, Czechia

Website: Zbraslav Monastery

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Sázava Monastery

Sázava Monastery was established in 1032 and it was the Slavic worshipping site. This Benedictine monastery was burnt down badly by the Hussites, which was later restored in the 16th century. During the 17th century, this monastery was renovated in Baroque style. And in the 19th century, Sázava Monastery was abolished by Joseph II, who later rebuilt the whole place into Pseudo-Renaissance chateau. Some of the prime attractions within the place include an abbot chapel, monumental torso of the Church of St. Prokop, Gothic wall paintings, and a Gothic crypt.

Sázava Monastery

Address: Zámecká 72, 285 06 Sázava, Czechia

Website: Sázava Monastery

6. Teplá Abbey

A Premonstratensian monastery, Teplá Abbey is situated in the western part of Bohemia. It was founded by the Bohemian nobleman, Hroznata in 1193. The first monks who visited here came from the Strahov Monastery in Prague. There were several new structures built here during the later years, such as the current monastery by Abbot Raimund Wilfert II, a library by Abbot Gilbert Helmer, and the Romanesque church, which was transitioned into a Gothic architecture remains to be one of the oldest churches in the region.

Teplá Abbey

Address: Teplá 1, 364 61 Teplá, Czechia

Website: Teplá Abbey

7. Emmaus Monastery

Renowned as Na Slovanech during the Middle Ages, the Emmaus Monastery is a beautiful Gothic structure established in 1347. The only Benedictine archabbey of the Slavic Europe and Bohemian kingdom, it features over 85 Gothic wall paintings on the cloisters with highlights of both old and new testaments. These cloisters have Pagan symbols from the 14th century. The two temple towers and baroque that is seen now were built between the 17th to the 18th centuries.

Emmaus Monastery

Address: Vyšehradská 49/320, 128 00 Nové Město, Czechia

Website: Emmaus Monastery

Embrace the cultural side of Prague

To truly understand the city or the country’s culture, it is best to explore the art scene it offers. And when it comes to Prague, the best way to do this is by checking out the monasteries. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get to Prague for a serene and relaxing getaway.