Strahov Monastery

Royal Canonry of Premonstratensians

View of the City of a Thousand Spires from the monastery

Founded in 1143, The Strahov Monastery is located at the back of the Petrin Hill and the castle complex.

Strahov Monastery

Head here for the famous Strahov Library, and for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Panoramic views from Strahov Monastery

The Strahov Library

Known as the most beautiful library in the world, the Strahov Library houses thousands of original volumes, is  adorned with beautiful frescoes, and is home to antique pieces of historical curiosity.

The library is located inside one of the buildings of the monastery. Entrance fee is 120 CZK. And to be able to take photos, you need to pay 50 CZK per person.

Theological Hall - left side

Tip: If going in by pairs or more, only one of you needs to pay and then just use his/her phone/camera to take photos. 

Theological Hall - right side

The library has 2 halls: the Theological hall and the Philosophical hall.

Theological Hall

The Theological Hall, which was the first hall built out of the two, houses thousands of volumes, mostly of the bible or bible parts in different languages. The frescoes there depict bible quotes.

The bigger and more impressive Philosophical Hall houses more than double of the amount of volumes in the previous hall. The ceiling is adorned with frescoes depicting the Intellectual Progress of Mankind: about science and religion and how true wisdom is found. 

Philosophical Hall - interior

Truly, anyone will marvel at the beauty of both halls. Who wouldn't want to study or read a book at this library?

Philosophical Hall

The Monastery also has a gallery and brewery. The brewery was reopened in 2000 and serves about 10 variations of St. Norbert beer. The gallery houses Rudolfian art, Gothic, Rococo and Baroque paintings which are among the most significant Central European collections. Entrance fee to the gallery is 120 CZK.

Restaurant Bellavista lunch

Restaurant Bellavista - outdoor seating

If you fancy a lunch with a view, this is one of the best places to be. The prices are higher - likely because of the view that you are paying for, and the meal and service is overall average. The view will definitely make up for everything else.

Pasta and Salad+Beer

We ordered pasta and salad, and tasted their beer. Mind you though, that this was the most expensive meal we've had during our trip.

Walk down from Strahov to the Castle Complex

The walkway to the castle

Then head down to Mala Strana. Cross Karluv Most yet again. Continue on to the Old Town Square and join a free walking tour.

Free walking tour

Kozlovna Apropos dinner

For another round of Czech cuisine, try out this diner near the Clementinum, or Staromestská metro station.

Duck confit

We ordered the famous beef goulash served on bread and duck confit. The serving was plentiful and the food tasted good. The price was just right. The atmosphere was average though, the place was packed and understandably, service was not as prompt but average. Overall, it was a satisfying meal.

Beef Goulash

Stroll along the Vltava River at night

Enjoy the magical views of the city as you stroll along the Vltava River. People-watch while you relax at one of the benches. Cap off the night with a bottle of beer if you like, because you're in Prague.

Vltava River at night