Strahov Library — Attraction in Prague

The two halls that contained the philosophy and theology books are stunning. I went two hours before closing, and there were not many people around, so I was able to take my time looking at the halls. During the day, though, I suspect it is much busier, and you may only get a few minutes to look. There are three choices of tickets. One allows you to enter the theology hall as part of a tour. This ticket is expensive and sells out quickly. Another allows entrance to the exhibitions, monastery, and library, but you can only look into the library halls from the doorway. The third does not include the exhibits. The ticket area is the white church across the road from the souvenir shop. I went two hours before closing, and there was no queue. However, I was told there had been large queues earlier in the day, so I would suggest pre-purchasing a ticket. You can pay by card or cash. You can pay in CZK, EUR, or USD. It is generally cheaper to choose CZK. The lobby outside the halls contains artifacts and is worth a look. At the end there is an art exhibition. Lots of people were being turned away as not having a valid ticket. Having been given two tickets, we had assumed it was one per person. However, it turned out one was for entry to the library area, and the other was for entry to the exhibition. Each one states the number of people covered by the ticket. I showed my ticket, which turned out to be the library entry, and was turned away as not having a valid ticket. It took a moment to work out the mistake, and I did wonder how many other people had made the same error and missed out. There are no toilets in the building, but there are in the outside courtyard. There is a charge of 20 CZK for using these, cash only. The toilet attendant was rude, but the toilets were clean. The toilets are wheelchair accessible. There is a souvenir shop across the road from the ticket office at the main gate. The staff were friendly and helpful. There is also a restaurant. The library area is not accessible for people who use a wheelchair. Other areas of the monastery are accessible. There are plans to install a lift. There is also the possibility of being able to park directly at the monastery if you have a disability. You need to contact the promotions staff to arrange...

I really try not to post bad reviews but what the hell, man. So I bought tickets for the Strahov Library, Strahov Art Gallery, and Abbey Tour (name of my ticket). Maybe by tour, they don't mean a guided tour (but I saw tour signs everywhere). This was the 340 CZK ticket on the website (BTW if anyone's curious - I went to search it up later. What is called a "tour" is self-guided so... if you're expecting the Klementinum... lol... it's not).

Anyway, I had tried asking a lady at the entrance of the library if there was a "tour" going on, but she treated me like I was harassing her. I tried translating my questions into Czech too because maybe she didn't speak English and I get that, but she still continued being awful. I don't know even why because I was just showing her my ticket and she was just shoving my phone away and staring into space ignoring me. I tried to ask this couple in English - turns out they were both Czech too so then the old lady walked up to us, told them something in Czech, and they just walked away from me quick. What the hell? Do I have the plague? Am I a lunatic? I really understand how stressful it is to work in touristy places, and I might even be able to excuse not wanting to help someone out, but I can't even fathom what she was trying to achieve by preventing me from asking others for help.

I tried asking a bunch of other staff members too (in English and with Google translated Czech) about my ticket. And to their credit, they were nicer than that old lady (though that's probably not a high bar to clear) but all of them look utterly bewildered like it was the first time seeing my ticket. What is going on and who is even running this place, man...

The library's nice or whatever but I mean, we're in Europe. You can pop into the next country next door and see something close to identical. I don't even know what's going on here......

An absolute masterpiece of baroque architecture and one of Prague's hidden gems! The Strahov Library is simply breathtaking - a must-visit for book lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates stunning architecture.

IMPORTANT: Book at least one month in advance if you want to see the interior! The library only allows a limited number of visitors inside each day, and spots fill up quickly. Don't make the mistake of showing up without a reservation - you'll only be able to see it through the doorway.

The two main halls - the Philosophical Hall and the Theological Hall - are absolutely magnificent. The Philosophical Hall, with its stunning walnut wood interior and ceiling fresco, looks like something straight out of Beauty and the Beast. The Theological Hall, with its beautiful stucco decorations and 17th-century globes, is equally impressive.

The collection of ancient manuscripts, maps, and books is incredible, some dating back to the 9th century. While you can't touch the books (understandably), the exhibits in the corridors showcase fascinating historical texts and the evolution of bookbinding.

Pro tips: Book a private tour one month in advance for interior access Photography requires a special permit (worth it!) Visit early in the day to avoid crowds Don't miss the Cabinet of Curiosities with its interesting collection of sea creatures and insects

The entrance fee might seem a bit steep, but it's justified given the library's historical significance and immaculate preservation. The monastery complex also offers stunning views over Prague.

A true testament to human knowledge and artistic achievement - this library will leave you in awe of its beauty and historical...