Strahov Monastery, Prague
Founded in 1120 by Saint Norbert, Strahov has been home to the Premonstratensian order since 1143. Back in its heyday, it rivaled the very seat of the Czech sovereign in scale and influence. Perched high above Prague, the monastery commands sweeping views of the city and has remained remarkably intact over the centuries. When Emperor Joseph II shut down most monastic houses in 1783, Strahov managed to survive by presenting itself as a center of learning鈥攁 claim backed up by its extraordinary library, one of the most important in Bohemia.
The library is without question a highlight. With a collection of around 200,000 volumes, it includes everything from rare manuscripts to scientific works. The Theological and Philosophical Halls are lavishly decorated with stucco, wood carvings, and ceiling frescoes. There鈥檚 a small fee if you want to take photos, but the visual splendor is worth every crown.
Not far from the library is the Basilica of Our Lady, a serene space rich in Baroque artistry. The frescoes depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, and the organ once resonated with the music of Mozart himself during a visit in 1787. Just off the cloisters, the monastery鈥檚 Picture Gallery presents a curated collection of religious art, including church plate and ornate reliquaries鈥攁n intimate look at centuries of spiritual life and craftsmanship.
Beyond these cultural treasures, Strahov is also known for its cultural offerings. Classical music concerts are often held within the complex, and for those in search of something heartier, the Strahov Brewery dishes up excellent Czech fare alongside craft beer brewed right on site. If you're feeling especially adventurous, head down to Pelko鈥攖he atmospheric cellar restaurant whose name translates, quite fittingly, as 鈥渉ell.鈥�
The library is without question a highlight. With a collection of around 200,000 volumes, it includes everything from rare manuscripts to scientific works. The Theological and Philosophical Halls are lavishly decorated with stucco, wood carvings, and ceiling frescoes. There鈥檚 a small fee if you want to take photos, but the visual splendor is worth every crown.
Not far from the library is the Basilica of Our Lady, a serene space rich in Baroque artistry. The frescoes depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, and the organ once resonated with the music of Mozart himself during a visit in 1787. Just off the cloisters, the monastery鈥檚 Picture Gallery presents a curated collection of religious art, including church plate and ornate reliquaries鈥攁n intimate look at centuries of spiritual life and craftsmanship.
Beyond these cultural treasures, Strahov is also known for its cultural offerings. Classical music concerts are often held within the complex, and for those in search of something heartier, the Strahov Brewery dishes up excellent Czech fare alongside craft beer brewed right on site. If you're feeling especially adventurous, head down to Pelko鈥攖he atmospheric cellar restaurant whose name translates, quite fittingly, as 鈥渉ell.鈥�
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Strahov Monastery on Map
Sight Name: Strahov Monastery
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed the 鈥淐ity of a Hundred Spires,鈥� Prague is a living gallery of history and architecture, home to world-class museums, eclectic galleries, numerous theaters, and a seemingly endless collection of historic landmarks.
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 Old Town is a living tapestry of medieval roots and vibrant modern life, wrapped in narrow cobblestone streets and brimming with architectural treasures. Once a self-contained settlement, it was protected by a semi-circular moat and a fortified wall, both tracing the curve of the Vltava River. Although the moat is long gone, its path survives in the form of key streets鈥攎ost notably Na... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible鈥攁n atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Star茅 M臎sto) of Prague.
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
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