Strahov Monastery — Attraction in Prague

The Strahov Monastery is another attraction to visit in the Hradcany district. Founded on these grounds in 1149, the monastery has a church, brewery and great views from its elevated position. However, it was the famed library (80czk) which brought us here during our recent stay in Prague.

First, visitors go through an anteroom which has a souvenir shop on one side, and beautiful 14th to 17th century bibles translated in Czech language on the other side. From here one steps into the hallway which houses a few cabinets of curiosities. These feature collections of various sea and land animals as well as some modified sea creatures with manipulated body parts, like something out of an old Frankenstein flick. Although we didn't care too much for this section it was interesting to see what people collected back then.

Finally, the Strahov library, which in fact has two halls both of which can be viewed through the doorways but not freely visited. The room referred to as the Philosophy Hall is lined wall to wall with books and features a gorgeous ceiling fresco. The second room, known as the Theology Hall, has several globes and a statue of a female figure to add to its collection of books, as well as a painted ceiling decorated with stucco frames. Both of these rooms, even without being able to enter directly, were well worth the library entry fee.

Unfortunately, the Stahov Church was not open during the time of our visit. We did have a quick lunch at the Strahov Brewery, finding this to be ok but nothing particularly worthy of praise on the day of our visit. The grounds appeared quite nice and inviting for outdoor visits during the warmer months of the year however.

In the end, of the 2 attractions we visited in the Strahov Monastery, we found the library to be enjoyable, and would consider returning for another viewing, and hopefully for an opportunity to see the church next time around.

Tip: Custodians provide a paper sheet which serves as a guide for your visit to the library.

Tip: You can combine a visit to Strahov Monastery and Library with the Loreta Monastery, located not far away between Strahov and the...

The monastery is worth a visit. You get to visit areas of the monastery, the library, the gardens, and the church. Tickets can be purchased from the white church at the main gate. I went two hours before closing, and there was no queue. I was told that it gets very busy during the day, so it would be better to pre-purchase at these times. You can purchase an internal tour of the library, which is expensive and sells out quickly; tickets for the library and monastery, or a ticket that includes the exhibition. They accept cash or cards, and you can choose whether to pay in CZK, EUR, or USD. The main reason to visit is the library, which has been reviewed separately. However, the monastery grounds are a nice add-on and worth a wander around. There are toilets in the courtyard. These cost 20 CZK to use, and only cash is accepted. The toilets were clean, but the attendant was badly mannered. There is a restaurant and a very nice souvenir shop. The cashier lady was very good, dealing with the purchases efficiently and making you feel welcomed. There is slso a miniature museum on the grounds, but this cost extra, so I did not bother. The monastery is only partially accessible for people who use a wheelchair or have mobility difficulties. The library is not accessible as there are three flights of stairs, though there are plans to install a lift. The Chapter Hall, Romanesque Halls, Summer, and Winter Refectory are accessible. The gallery is accessible if you contact the promotions staff prior to arriving to arrange access to the lift. There are disability accessible toilets in the courtyard. You may be able to park directly in the monastery if you have a disability. You need to contact the promotions staff who will advise whether it is...

Traveller be AWARE.

If you buy ticket for the library, you won’t be allowed to enter the library. You need to book at least 3 weeks in advance from their website. If you plan to try their restaurant (which is good) buy your ticket FIRST as you will redeem 10% off. *I wish someone told me. If you only buy the ticket for the library, you CAN’T access the art gallery (Miro). You can only access the view of the library behind a cord and the view is currently obstructed (October 21, 2024) since there is a structure in it.

When I got back to the ticket booth to get explanation on how to access the library for which I thought I paid for, I was told I couldn’t since I didn’t book the visit 3 weeks in advance. I told them, how am I suppose to know that? Their answer was it’s on their website.

When I travel, I do not plan all my visits in advance, I prefer to have flexibility. I had no idea about the existence of this monastery nor the library before I got to Prague… In my case it was impossible to plan the visit in advance. I hope you’ll have this chance.

I am passionate about books and arts, so let me tell you how disappointed I was to be stuck behind a cord and couldn’t even access the art gallery. I refused to pay for another ticket to access the gallery by principle (since I went to the restaurant BEFORE I bought the ticket and couldn’t get the 10% off which would have been considerate). …

I believe if you follow my tips you will enjoy your visit much more than I did and won’t...