Strahov Monastery
Strahov Monastery stands above Malá Strana, opposite Prague Castle. Its foundation in 1140 was supported by Bishop Jindřich Zdík of Olomouc and Vladislav II, then Duke of Bohemia. Premonstratensian canons arrived from Steinfeld in 1143, beginning the community’s long association with the site.
From Romanesque buildings to a changing monastery
The early stone church and monastery were built during the 12th century. Fire in 1258 led to rebuilding, and later centuries brought further alterations. The original Romanesque complex therefore survives within a much more layered architectural story.
During the Hussite period, the monastery was plundered and fell into decline. Abbot Jan Lohelius began a major revival, with Renaissance work followed by further extensions. Chapels and new façades gradually reshaped the church.
War damage and the Baroque rebuilding
The French bombardment of Prague in the 18th century badly damaged the basilica. Repairs under the architect Anselmo Lurago helped give the buildings the Baroque character visible today.
The basilica and its furnishings
The basilica’s long nave and richly furnished interior are central to the monastery complex. The main altar was made by Ignác Platzer in 1768. A later altar by Egino Weinert of Cologne reflects liturgical changes after the Second Vatican Council.
The library halls
The Theological Hall was completed in 1679 under Abbot Jeroným Hirnhaim. Its name reflects a collection rich in theological literature, including many editions and translations of the Bible.
The Philosophical Hall followed in the late 18th century under Abbot Václav Mayer. Its collections cover philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, history and philology. The books and the architecture together explain why the library is such a distinctive part of Strahov.
The Cabinet of Curiosities
Natural history specimens, minerals, insects, wax models of fruit and archaeological objects form another part of the monastery’s collections. Remains of a dodo are among the curiosities associated with the collection, a reminder of how these cabinets brought together the unusual and the unfamiliar.
If you plan to visit the library or another part of the monastery, check the current access arrangements with Strahov. The historical collection descriptions here are an introduction, rather than a guarantee that every object will be on display.