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Strahov Library Prague – How to Visit the Magical Theological and Philosophical Hall (2024)! 

One of the most beautiful libraries in the world is the Strahov Library located in an ancient monastery in Prague. 

It contains two breathtaking Baroque rooms which are the Theological Hall and Philosophical Hall built in the 17th and 18th centuries.

These magical book troves will take your breath away with their ancient tomes, ceiling frescoes, stucco artwork, and astronomical globes.

Both look like something from a fairytale and they are honestly a book lovers dream come true. 

But, it’s important to know a few things before you visit so you know what to expect and what you’re paying for. Like the fact that you cannot enter the library rooms with a standard ticket. 

Here is how to visit the magical Strahov Library in Prague and everything you need to know. 

Table of Contents

Strahov Monastery history 

The foundations of Strahov Monastery date as far back as the 12th century. 

After Bishop Olomouc Jindrich Zdik returned from a pilgrimage in the Holy Land he had a vision to build a monastery near Prague. 

In 1143, Strahov Monastery started to be constructed to house the Premonstratensian monks. A monastic order founded by Saint Norbert. 

At first, they built wooden structures whilst they constructed the Romanesque Basilica in 1149. The rest of the monastery buildings in the complex followed and it was finished in 1182. 

Unfortunately, it faced many hardships like a fire in 1258 and it was plundered during the Hussite War in 1420. 

Many of the buildings needed to be reconstructed in the 16th century and Abbot Jan Lohelius was in charge of rebuilding the monastery. He eventually became the archbishop of Prague. 

Much of the monastery was rebuilt by his successors during the Thirty Years War. It was only after this period that the Strahov Library was started. 

Baroque Strahov Library 

Although it’s called the Strahov Library, there are actually two rooms that form this magical book collection.

These are the Theological Hall built in the 17th century and the Philosophical Hall built in the 18th century. 

Both of these rooms are stunning but are complete contrasts to each other! 

Theological Hall

The Theological Hall was built during the office of Abbot Jeronym Hirnhaim in the 17th century.

A Prague-based Italian architect, Giovanni Domenico Orsi, was hired to create the Baroque stucco cartouche work you can see on the ceiling. 

All of the library shelves, statues, terrestrial and astronomical globes inside date back to the 17th century. You’ll also see a Gothic wooden statue of St John the Evangelist. 

In the 18th century, after the 100th anniversary of the remains of St Norbert, the library was extended and the artist Siard Nosecky painted the frescos on the walls.

There are over 20,000 volumes in the Theological Hall. Many of these are religious texts in different languages. 

Although much of the library books and contents are originals, some of the shelves and wooden panelling are a reconstruction from the 20th century. 

This room is honestly stunning, the stucco ceiling and cartouche paintings are absolutely breathtaking. I loved all the gold features and it would be such a dream to read a book in here. 

Philosophical Hall

The Philosophical Hall was built in the 18th century and was commissioned by Abbot Vaclav Mayer. 

A Prauge-based Italian architect, Jan Ignac Palliardi, was hired to build the library on the site of the old monastery granary. 

The facade was built in 1794-1797 and it was filled with books. Many of the higher tomes are only accessible via the gallery. There is a hidden spiral staircase masked with fake books spines.

On the ceiling, you’ll see a fresco called ‘Intellectual Progress of Mankind’ and it tells the story of the developments of science and religion. 

There are characters featured from the Old Testament such as Moses, Ada, Eve, Cain, Abel, Noah, and Solomon. Also, you’ll see Wenceslas, the Patron Saint of Bohemia, in the right-hand corner.

Although it was located in the monastery, it was very popular with tourists in the 18th and 19th centuries. But, women were only permitted limited access due to it being a monastic complex. 

There are over 42,000 books in the Philosophical Hall and you can find subjects in mathematics, history, astronomy, and philology. 

This hall reminded me so much of the library in Beauty and the Beast. I would have given anything to climb one of the book ladders like Belle. 

Or, maybe it could be part of the Hogwarts Library in Harry Potter? Either way, it blew my mind!

Fun fact: this library featured in series 2 of Outlander as the Palace of Versailles. This is where Jamie is playing chess with Joseph Duverney, and where the Comte St. Germain poisons Claire! 

How to visit the Strahov Library in Prague 

The Strahov Monastery is located on a high hillside in the Prague Castle District near Petrin Hill. 

In fact, it’s only a 10-minute walk away from Prague Castle, so it’s a great activity to visit after your tour of the largest castle in the world. 

There are signs for Strahov all over the Prague Castle District and so it’s really easy to find if you’re walking. 

But, I will warn you, if you’re visiting from the old town area, like Charles Bridge, be prepared for a long and steep walk to the top! 

It may be easier to take public transport to reach the monastery, the nearest tram stop is Pohořelec which is a 5-minute walk away from the main entrance. 

Alternatively, to save time and your feet, it is possible to take a taxi to the top of the hill. Taxi apps like Uber, Liftago, and Bolt all operate in the capital. 

Strahov Monastery address is Strahovské nádvoří 1/132, 118 00 Praha 1-Strahov, Czechia. Click here for a Google Pin ! 

Strahov Library opening times and ticket prices 

The Strahov Library is open to visitors daily throughout the year except for the 24th and 25th of December and Easter Sunday. But, it is subject to opening times. 

It’s open from 9 am – 5 pm but they take a lunch break from 12.00 p.m. – 12.30 p.m. So, you can only buy tickets from 9 am – 11.30 am and then from 12.30 pm until 4.30 pm. 

The standard entry fee for Strahov Library is 150 CZK (£6 / $7 USD). There are family tickets available and reduced tickets for concessions too.

If you want to visit both the Strahov Library and Strahov Picture Gallery you can buy combo tickets.

You cannot pre-book or purchase tickets online for Strahov Monastery. All tickets must be purchased at the information desk on the day of your visit located near the main entry gate. 

Although I read online that they only take cash, I’m pleased to say that contactless card payments are now available. 

What to expect on a visit to the Strahov Library 

When you first arrive at the Strahov Monastery, you can explore much of the complex for free. But, if you want to visit the libraries you’ll need to buy tickets from the information desk.

The monastery complex isn’t the best signposted but once you’ve got your tickets, head towards the large white building called the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Strahov. 

You’ll find the library building entrance to your right if you’re facing the church door. There is a Strahov Library sign outside the front. 

Then, you’ll need to head up two flights of stairs until you reach the library floor. Once you reach the top, there will be a volunteer checking your ticket at the entrance to let you inside.

There are limited signs in the museum so make sure to borrow one of their guided text leaflets. These are provided in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Japanese, and Russian.

This sheet of paper will give you a history of the libraries and ancient artifacts that you’re seeing inside. 

Peeking through the library windows

Although it’s not clear at the ticket desk, with a standard Strahov Library ticket you only get to look at the libraries through a small door at the end of the rooms. 

You can’t enter the libraries at all, although there is the option for a ‘special tour’ if you book over 2 months in advance (I’ve provided more details on this below). 

As you don’t get to enter the rooms, depending on what time you visit, there is sometimes a queue to reach the doorways of both the Theological Hall and Philosophical Hall. 

To avoid this, I would visit early in the morning as afternoons seem to be a very busy time at Strahov Monastery! 

Honestly, although I only got to see the libraries from the doorway, it was still a magical experience. 

I audibly gasped as these rooms honestly looked like libraries from a fairytale or Harry Potter. I was in love and wished I could have something like this in my house!

Although you can see photos of these rooms online, seeing them in person will honestly take your breath away.

The Cabinet of Curiosities & Connecting Corridor

The Theological Hall and the Philosophical Hall are, without question, the highlight of a visit to the Strahov Library.

But, it is worth having a look at the ‘Hallway of Curiosities’ too that sits in between them. It’s filled with all sorts of bric-a-brac and random artifacts. 

The Strahov Cabinet of Curiosities was purchased from Karel Jan Eben in 1798 and many of the items within reflect the Rudolfine Renaissance. 

There are lots of science collections with rare minerals, insects, and sea creatures. You’ll find armour from the 12th century plus lots of Hussite weapons.

There are ceramics, ship models, wax fruit, cannon barrels and even hunting boots from the 17th century. There are some etchings, objects from ancient Egypt, and an ‘oriental’ collection. 

There is even the tusk of a narwhal displayed although many people think it originated from a unicorn. Definitely fits in with the fairytale vibes. 

Like I said, it’s a weird corridor filled with random curios but I found it utterly fascinating. It’s worth having a gander to see what you will find and if anything interests you. 

A collection of ancient tomes 

Many people make a beeline to the library rooms as soon as they step inside the Strahov Library.

But, before you leave, don’t forget to visit the entry room full of ancient texts and books that date back almost 600 years!

Years ago, before printing presses, many books were hand painted by monks in a scriptorium.

Monastic scribes would work for weeks, months and even years on these books and they are now precious artifacts.

Many of these ancient tomes were lucky to survive through the centuries due to religious conflicts and war. So, it’s pretty amazing that you can see many of these works of art displayed here!

Can you go inside the Strahov library?

Not with a regular tour ticket, unfortunately! If you pay for a standard ticket, you only get to see the two libraries from the doorways at the end of the rooms.

This isn’t clear when you buy tickets at the desk which is misleading. I only knew because I did my research beforehand. 

If you plan a few months ahead, you can arrange for a ‘special tour’ of the libraries where you get to go inside. You cannot buy tickets for this on the day. 

These tours are led by an expert who knows the library very well and you’ll get an up-close look at all the books and items! 

You must pre-arrange this tour at least 8 weeks in advance and you can find the email on the Strahov Monastery website.

I tried to do this two months before but it was already booked out. Frankly, the customer service via email was very slow and when you did get a reply it was shockingly curt and kind of rude! 

I’ve heard these tours are expensive (around 600 CZK) but when I emailed to ask the price they wouldn’t tell me. But, it’s always worth trying to book the tour if you have your heart set on it. 

Strahov Library photography rules

You are allowed to take as many photos and videos as you like of the Strahov Monastery. 

Although I’ve heard that many people got charged for photography, that didn’t seem to happen on my visit. 

I even saw lots of people with their DSLR cameras out and the staff didn’t seem to question it at all.

There were lots of signs all over the rooms signalling that you needed a photo pass (these cost an extra 50 CZK at the desk) but I didn’t see anyone enforcing it. 

The best time to visit (in my opinion) would be as soon as they open.

During the afternoons when I visited, there were ‘special tours’ going on with a large group in the rooms, a private music lesson and you had to queue a while to get to the doorways!

Is the Strahov Library worth visiting?

Many people feel like they get ‘ripped off’ or feel it’s a ‘tourist trap’ when they visit the Strahov Library as they are not allowed inside any of the library rooms. 

You basically get to peer into the two libraries through a small roped-off doorway at the end of the room and there is a corridor with some ancient artifacts and books in-between.

Personally, I found people not going inside a bit better as it meant that you could see the rooms empty and take photos/videos of the Baroque book troves at their best. 

The only thing that annoyed me was the fact that there were private music lessons going on inside and a ‘special tour’ so I had to wait a while for the room to clear out for photos. 

I don’t think they should charge, or let in regular visitors if the rooms have been booked for private functions. They should hold these types of things after closing time. 

I mean, you get to peep into two rooms for £6/$7 and if they already have people in them it completely spoils the experience (and photos) for standard ticket visitors in my opinion. 

Also, I found some of the staff monitoring the corridor to be very rude. They don’t speak English (I know I sound like a lazy tourist) but if you asked them a question they just replied ‘no’, shook their head, waved you off, and dismissed you. It happened to anyone that approached them with a query.

Although it does seem like a lot just to peer into two rooms like a creep, I did my research beforehand. 

So, I was already aware that this is what I would be paying for and I still think it was worth the money.

These magical baroque libraries are some of the most beautiful in the entire world and visiting is a dream come true for book lovers! 

The Philosophical Hall looked like something from a fairytale, it totally reminded me of the library from Beauty and the Beast.

Also, I’m a huge Outlander fan and loved finally being able to see this filming location.

I would highly recommend visiting the Strahov Library whilst in Prague. Despite the minor issues, it was still one of the highlights of my visit. 

Other things to do around Strahov Monastery 

Once you’ve finished seeing the Strahov Library, it’s worth exploring the rest of the monastery complex.

There are lots of things to do including a visit to the main church, gorgeous viewpoints, gardens, museums, galleries, and an incredible brewery too! 

Here are all the things to do in Strahov Monastery in Prague; 

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Strahov

The heart of the monastery complex is the Basilica located in the huge white building in the centre of the courtyard.

It’s called the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Strahov and was built in a Romanesque style with Gothic and Renaissance towers. 

Although the Premonstratensian monastery has a foundation since the 12th century, the church we see today was rebuilt in 1742 – 1758. 

You’ll find that the cartouches inside and on the ceiling tell the story of St Norbert the founder of the monastic order.

Again, many people are disappointed as you can’t go inside and explore the church. It’s closed off to visitors when not in service.

So, when you enter the building, you’ll get to look at the interior through another doorway in the form of huge iron gates. 

You can take photos of the beautiful decor through the gaps. You’ll see the pews, altar and the portraits from the end of the room but your visit will be quite short as that’s the only thing you can see! 

Again, it’s still worth a look in my opinion and this Baroque church is absolutely stunning and it will be delightfully empty for photographs. 

Strahov Picture Gallery 

Another attraction you can buy tickets for at Strahov Monastery is the Strahov Picture Gallery.

It was founded in 1835 and contains almost 1500 paintings inside! You’ll find it on the first floor of the monastery building.

The portraits are displayed chronologically and begin from the 14th century to the 19th century. 

As well as the pictures in the gallery, you’ll find a huge fresco painting on the ceiling that is very impressive. 

Our Lady of Exile & Viewpoint 

As you’re so high up on the hill in Strahov, you can get some incredible views over the city from this monastery.

If you head towards the Our Lady of Exile statue, you’ll find a viewpoint nearby where you can look over the city of a hundred spies. 

From the view, you can see Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and many more landmarks like the Church of Our Lady of Tyn.

Strahov Monastery Brewery 

After your walk around the complex, don’t leave without visiting the Strahov Monastery Brewery.

It dates back to the 17th century and they brew their famous Saint Norbert Beer right here onsite. Saint Norbert was the founder of the Premonstratensian Order.

Their home brew is the Sv. Norbert Amber Lager but I tried one of their Japanese Sakura Amber ales on my visit and it was delicious! I would highly recommend it in the spring season. 

As well as serving a huge range of artisan beers, they also have a restaurant that serves up delicious food. 

I had their pork tenderloin in a wine sauce with cherries and potatoes and it was incredible. 

They had a range of outdoor and indoor seating and it would be the perfect pub to relax in on a warm sunny day.

Museum of Miniatures

Another place you can visit in Strahov Monastery is the Museum of Miniatures. It has the largest collection of micro-miniatures in Europe.

Many of these were created by the Siberian artist, Anatoly Konenko. You’ll find copies of famous paintings, trains on a strand of hair, and a caravan of camels in the eye of a needle.

You’ll also find a model of a 3.2 mm Eiffel Tower and the smallest book ever made according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

It’s open all week from 10 am – 5 pm and entry is 130 CZK for adults.

Strahov Monastery Gift Shop

If you fancy picking up some souvenirs to remember your visit there is a monastery gift shop located near to the information centre.

They have lots of gifts inside like books, mugs, postcards, and pictures of the monastery and library. 

It’s a great choice to pick up some souvenirs for your loved ones and there’s lots of choice. 

Hotel Monastery 

If you fancied staying in the Strahov Monastery, the complex has its very own hotel on site. 

Hotel Monastery is a peaceful residence that has fabulous views of the city of Prague.

It’s a romantic Baroque-style building but has modern rooms and amenities. It includes WiFi, a TV, a minibar, and a breakfast buffet. 

This is definitely a unique place to stay if you want to visit the libraries and explore more of the Prague Castle District. It’s only a five-minute walk to the nearest tram stop.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Monastery in Prague 

Looking for more bookish things to do in Prague? 

Once you’ve visited the Prague Strahov Library, there are plenty of other bookish locations you can visit in this city. 

Here are all the places I would recommend visiting if you’re a bibliophile;

Klementinum Library

Located in a building just next door to the Municipal Library is one of the world’s most beautiful libraries.

The Klementinum is a series of buildings that were originally part of a medieval monastery dedicated to St Clement. 

It then became a Jesuit College and the Baroque Library was built around 1722 by Kilián Ignác Dienzenhofer.

It’s filled with dark bookshelves, winding columns, astronomical globes, frescoes, and portraits. It looks like a library from a fairytale or Hogwarts Library in Harry Potter! 

The only way you can visit is to book a guided tour and it’s not free. You can book tickets at the information desk or book your tour in advance with Get Your Guide.

Click here to read my complete guide on visiting the Klementinum Library & Tour

Prague Municipal Library & Infinity Book Tower

Just around the corner from the Klementinum complex, you can visit the Prague Municipal Library.

Unlike the Baroque Library, this is a public library and it’s open to anyone who would like to visit. It’s also completely FREE and you don’t need to book a tour. 

The most popular thing to do inside is to visit the Infinity Book Tower or Prague Book Tunnel called ‘Idiom’ at the entrance which is an optical illusion. 

You will see a huge pillar of books that reaches the ceiling but if you pop your head inside it looks like you can see pages for days!

Despite it being a bit of a hidden gem, it’s VERY popular so prepare to queue. I would personally try to visit early morning if you can to avoid a long wait time. 

Related Post: how to visit the Infinity Book Tower

Kafka Tourism 

You really can’t escape references to Franz Kafka in Prague, a Modernist Bohemian author who was based in the city.

He wrote famous books like ‘The Metamorphosis’ and ‘The Trial’ and there are many sites where you can find out more about his life in the city.

The most famous attraction is the Kafka Museum and it’s an existential exhibition that takes you on a journey into the world of Kafka – it is very trippy! 

Don’t forget to take a picture with the famous ‘peeing statues’ outside. Or, visit the Kafka rotating head on Nové Město. 

As its name suggests, it’s a modern artwork of Franz Kafka’s head that rotates every 15 minutes. It’s huge and weighs over 39 tons. 

Personally, one of my favourite Kafka sites is his tiny blue house at Number 22, Golden Lane. It’s now a bookshop and you can visit as part of a Prague Castle tour! 

Recommended Travel Resources

Hotels: Booking.com

Transport: RentalCars.com

Trips & Tours: GetYourGuide

Travel Insurance: World Nomads

eSIM: Holafly

Read more of my Czechia guides

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Visiting the oldest Prague medieval tavern

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How to visit the Bone Church of Kutna Hora

Magical Cloak Bridge in Česky Krumlov

Uncover the secrets of Prague’s Golden Lane

Visit the mysterious Dripstone Wall Prague

Discover Czechia

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Sophie Pearce is the founder of Third Eye Traveller. Always having a restless soul seeking adventure, she has now travelled to over 30+ countries, many of them solo. Leaving her heart in India, which gifted her a "Third Eye", she felt inspired to share her travel stories in the hope of encouraging others to find their inner magic and explore this beautiful world of ours. Even if it's on their own!

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The Beautiful Strahov Library: A Prague Visitor’s Guide

Across the bridge from Old Town Prague, a bookish-minded visitor can make their way to one of my favorite and most unique things to do in Prague: visit the incredible Strahov monastery library.

Actually, if we are going to be precise, at the Strahov Monastery, a visitor can find not one but two Prague libraries, both elaborately decorated and filled with ancient and valuable books.

The Strahov Monastery dates back to as early as 1140 BC, although the current buildings were rebuilt more recently. The two libraries and hidden depositories collectively house more than 200,000 books, most dating from the 10th to 17th centuries.

This was one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever visited, and that’s definitely saying something, as literary travel is kind of my thing. I’ve been scoping out the best bookstores, most beautiful libraries, and underrated literary sights for the last several years.

So whether you’re looking for bookish sights in Prague, or what to do in Prague in December, or what to do in Prague on a rainy day, a visit to this famous Prague library should definitely be on your itinerary.

In This Post

I’ll tell you some of the history of Strahov Library and let you know how to visit and what to expect from your visit.

Don’t forget to pin this post for later:

As always, this post may contain affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, shopping from them may generate small commissions to support the operations of this blog.

Whenever possible, I recommend buying books at local bookshops or through Bookshop.org , because shopping there puts the profits right into the hands of indie bookstores all over the country.

What you’ll see at Strahov Library

Prague’s Strahov library is contained inside an ancient monastery. It might be one of the most famous Prague libraries today, but its popularity is not a recent development. For centuries, it has been an important center of culture and learning.

Even Napoleon’s wife, Marie Louise, visited Prague’s Strahov library in 1812 and donated some of her personal books to the important and sizable collection.

The Strahov Library actually consists of two main library rooms that visitors are allowed to see (there are also depositories and a vault for rare manuscripts, but these are not accessible to outside visitors). The two library rooms you will see when you visit this beautiful Prague library are the Theological Hall and the Philosophical Hall.

Strahov Library Theological Hall

The Theological Hall of the Strahov Library is the older of the two rooms and is an elaborate and memorable Baroque library. This room houses more than 20,000 books, including one entire wall of different editions of the Bible and its components. The oldest book in the collection is a 9th-century Book of the Gospels written on parchment.

As you gaze around this beautiful Prague library built in the 1600s, take in the terrestrial and astronomical globes in the center, the painted red wood shelving, the ornately carved ceiling, and the book wheel, a unique invention you’ll find on the left side of the room. This book wheel was built in the 1670s to allow the monks to read or consult multiple books at once. A turning gear allows the shelves’ angle to remain constant so the books don’t slide off when the wheel is turned.

Strahov Library Philosophical Hall

The Philosophical Hall is actually the first room you’ll see when you enter the Strahov libraries, though it is the more recent addition to the monastery. This gorgeous library was added in the 18th century to accommodate the monastery’s ever-growing book collection. Any book lover who’s ever run out of shelf space can empathize with this predicament, though can perhaps only dream of such a grand and beautiful solution.

This Prague library room is decorated in the Classical style, as opposed to the Theological Hall’s Baroque style. The gorgeous walnut shelves hold more than 50,000 books. Whereas the neighboring library houses primarily religious texts, the Philosophical Hall contains works on law, philosophy, history, and science.

The ceilings of this beautiful Prague library are covered in frescoes by an Italian painter. The theme of the frescoes is a journey into wisdom, telling the story of mankind’s journey into philosophy and science.

What else to see at Strahov Library

As you walk the corridor connecting the Strahov Theological and Philosophical Halls, pause to check out the unique items in the curiosity cabinets lining the hallway. You’ll find such unique objects as a narwhal tusk (believed to have been a unicorn horn at the time) and various ancient weaponry and other artifacts. You’ll also see some replicas of some of the oldest texts contained in the library’s collection.

If you buy a combo ticket to the Strahov library, you will also be able to visit to the monastery’s art gallery.

Related : Want to see more beautiful Prague libraries ? Check out these two other unique locations you don’t want to miss.

Where is the Strahov library?

The Strahov library is located inside the Strahov Monastery, which is in Prague’s little quarter, not far from the Prague Castle. You’ll find it across the Vltava River from Prague’s old town, by either walking across the famous Charles Bridge or taking a cheap and easy Prague tram.

You’ll enter the Strahov Library and purchase a ticket, choosing between either a library-only ticket or a slightly more expensive combination with access to the Strahov Gallery. This art museum houses a unique collection of Baroque, Rococo, and Gothic paintings.

The two Strahov libraries are located in the same, clearly marked building, within the monastery grounds.

Strahov library address:

Strahovské nádvoří 1/132

118 00 Praha 1 – Hradčany

How to visit: Can you go inside Prague’s Strahov library?

The Strahov monastery libraries house a unique collection of incredibly old books, and as such, the books are very delicate. These antiquarian books require a carefully monitored microclimate in order to preserve the books for many years to come, so the number of visitors allowed in the rooms is kept to a minimum.

If you want to go beyond the doorway and go inside the Strahov library, you’ll need to book a specific guided tour . This is not a guarantee, but if you want the best shot at going inside the Strahov library, contact the monastery a month or more in advance of your visit.

Otherwise, you’ll have to content yourself with looking in through the door and taking it all in from there.

I’ll say, that even without walking inside, the Strahov library is a must-see sight in Prague . Actually, the experience is even more magical because of the lack of crowds inside. It allows you to take in the majesty of each room without jostling your way through crowds of phone photographers.

You can buy tickets for the Strahov Library online or at the box office. Credit cards are accepted.

Tips for visiting the Strahov Library

The Strahov library is a unique thing to do in Prague, one of its hidden gems, so you’re unlikely to encounter huge crowds there. You can work it into your schedule whenever it is open. At most, you may have to wait a few minutes at the doorway to each library to get your best viewing angle.

After your visit to the Strahov library, consider hiking or taking the funicular up nearby Petrin Hill, then climbing Petrin Tower. Petrin Tower is a mini Eiffel Tower, which you can pay to climb. It’s absolutely worth the price and the glute burn for incredible views of Prague.

Also, make sure that when you’re done at Strahov Library, you pay a visit to the nearby Shakespeare and Sons Bookstore, one of my favorite English bookstores in Prague .

Finding Accommodations in Prague

As you look for somewhere to stay, I recommend checking for lodging on Hotels.com . I almost always book my accommodations through Hotels.com , because you can earn rewards for every night you stay without having to choose only one hotel chain to be loyal to. You can even book locally owned apart hotels and bed and breakfasts.

If you’re looking for privately owned vacation rentals, I recommend checking VRBO. I’ve personally had much better experiences with their owners and rentals than I have with their primary competitor.

Travel Resources At-A-Glance

All of the following are links to sites and services I actually use to book and plan my travel or to purchase books or travel gear.

For flights : Skyscanner is my number one go-to resource for booking flights. I love using the “explore” function to find the cheapest places I can fly during a given time or using the fare calendar to identify the cheapest days to fly.

For hotels and lodgings : For hotels, hotels.com , and for vacation rentals, VRBO.com . I’ve had much better experiences with private rentals through this website than through other popular private vacation rental websites.

For car rentals : Kayak allows comparisons across a wide range of booking agencies and lists reviews of companies as well. I’ve found this to be the most user-friendly and efficient way to compare car rental prices.

For tours & excursions : Viator and Get Your Guide are my top choices for booking excursions and tour experiences in a new destination.

For travel gear : Amazon.com and REI for more outdoorsy items. Check out my travel gear recs here.

For booking trains & buses : I find the Omio app and website to be the most easily navigable for comparing options for public transportation, especially in Europe,

Best travel credit card : My favorite travel rewards credit card for European travel has been the Chase Sapphire Rewards card . Visa is accepted just about everywhere in Europe, and there are no foreign transaction fees on the card. Some of the travel benefits I love on the Chase Sapphire include free TSA pre-check or Global Entry (worth it every time), an annual $200 travel credit, an annual $200 hotel benefit, built-in rental car, and trip insurance, and points are worth 50% more when used to book travel. I travel around Europe a LOT, and I end up with many free flights and hotel stays from using my points on my Chase Sapphire.

For books : Bookshop.org often has prices as good as Amazon or sometimes better, but profits go to indie bookstores all over the country. Whenever possible, consider buying your books from this online indie bookshop resource.

The Strahov Library is one of Prague’s hidden gems. While I never need an excuse to visit a beautiful library, the Strahov monastery is a great choice if you’re looking for what to do in Prague in December, as it’s a perfect way to escape the winter cold.

What other beautiful libraries have you visited in Europe?

And don’t forget to pin this post for later.

I'm Constance, an avid reader and traveler. I love tracking down the best literary sights everywhere I go, from the best indie bookstores to author's homes and fictional locations you can visit in real life. I'm also passionate about all things tea and chocolate. I have a BA in English literature and an MS in Nutrition Science.

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Strahov Library, Prague

Table of contents Show

• Czech name: Strahovská knihovna

Location & How to Get to the Strahov Monastery Library Prague

Strahov library hours & entry .

• What to Do & What to See at Strahov Monastery Library Prague

History of the Strahov Monastery Library, Prague, Czech Republic

Czech name:  strahovská knihovna.

For a  Prague sightseeing  activity beyond the typical castles and cafes, you can visit the beautiful, ornate halls of the Strahov Library. There are  two main halls to tour , each collectively housing one of the most incredible collections of any historical library in the world. Countless other sights await all visitors to the biggest monastic library in the Czech Republic. From Napoleon’s wife to British naval commander Horatio Nelson, the Strahov Library has been a popular site for visitors to Prague long before the modern era.

Located at the back of  Petřín Hill , the  Strahov Monastery  (Strahovský klášter) complex houses the beautiful Strahov monastery Library Prague. This hill overlooks the city of Prague near the famous  Prague Castle  (Pražský hrad). The library is easily accessible for visitors to Prague. From the city center, you can take the number 22 tram or the bus to Dlabačov Street or Keplerova Street. Paid parking is outside of the monastery at Pohořelec Square.

The Strahov Library. Prague is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day of the week. Open year-round, it is regularly closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Easter.

It closes daily between noon and 1 pm for a lunch break.

Strahov Library tickets

The basic entry fee for the Strahov Library, Prague is 150 CZK, but there is a reduced rate of 80 CZK. A family fee of 300 CZK allows two adults and a maximum of 3 children under the age of 15 to enter the Library. Visitors can also buy photo permission for 50 CZK. The Strahov Library tickets can be purchased directly on the   Strahov Library website

What to Do & What to See   at Strahov Monastery Library Prague

The main attraction at the Strahov monastery Library are the two halls that house about 200,000 volumes. Unfortunately, visitors only pass by the entrance to protect the ceiling frescoes from rapid changes in humidity. These frescoes showcase figures representing Adam, Eve, and numerous Greek philosophers. 

Outside in the lobby, however, visitors may investigate the unique Cabinet of Curiosities, which dates back to the 18th-century. This case comprises a rather unusual collection of shrivelled sharks, turtles, and more put together by sailors to scare people at home with tall tales about sea monsters. 

And perhaps the point of most interest in the Strahov Library in Prague, Czech Republic is the incredible Xylotek. These are boxes bound in bark and wood from a broad collection of trees. Each of these boxes contains leaves, roots, flowers, and fruits that showcase the natural beauty of the Czech Republic.

Several catastrophes disrupted the building of the Prague Library Strahov, including a fire in 1258 and invasion by the Swedes in 1648. The current halls were established in the 17th-century to become the final home of the famous collection. Some of the volumes in this well-preserved collection date back to the 12th-century and the original founding of the monastery. 

During the Communist era in the 1950s, most of the volumes became part of the Museum of Czech Literature. However, confiscated religious property, including the  Strahov Library collection , were returned to their original homes following the fall of communism in 1989. 

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Prague's Stunning Strahov Monastery Library and Cabinet of Curiosities

The Strahov Library is made up of the Theological Hall, the Philosophical Hall, and the Cabinet of Curiosities. It holds more than 200,000 volumes in its collection, including first printings of more than 1000 books on the subjects of religion, medicine, mathematics, law, philosophy, astronomy, and geography — mostly in Latin, of course.

The library is located within the complex of the Strahov monastery, a Premonstratensian abbey on top of the hill behind Prague Castle. Those Premonstratensians were known for being very solemn, and that’s by 12th-century religious standards, so, yes: quite serious.

But in the late 17th century, the new abbot got behind the idea of an updated library, and he built the Theological Hall. Its curved ceiling is decorated with baroque stucco and paintings depicting the theme of wisdom, along with the Latin words initio sapientiae timor domini (‘the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God’). This room is infused with fresh, white light, perhaps sweeping the darkness of ignorance out of the corners and shadows.

In contrast, the Philosophical Hall (at the top of this post) is filled with warm light, reflecting a burnished glow from the floor-to-ceiling hand-carved walnut bookshelves and gilt trim. Built about 100 years after the Theological Hall, it’s the work of another new abbot who favored a Classical style. The two-story construction reaches toward heaven and the frescoed ceiling depicts mankind’s journey to wisdom. Be sure to look for the spiral staircases in the corners, as well as two secret passageways hidden by bookshelves and opened with fake books.

Don’t miss the dendrology library (a.k.a., xylotheque) in a wooden bookshelf on the right-hand side of the Cabinet of Curiosities hallway. These tree books are like miniature Ents — you halfway expect them to blink open their ancient eyes and tell you stories. Collected by Karel of Hinterlagen around 1825, these 68 volumes — really more like handcrafted boxes than books — each represent a different tree. The spines of each one are made of bark, sometimes including lichen, and the treasures inside include roots, branches, leaves, flowers, fruits, sections of branches, and even a bug or two. This is one of only two such collections in Europe; the other is at the Muséum National D’Histoire Naturelle in Paris.

We suggest you also take a moment to explore the goodies in the display case that houses dozens of truly-scary weapons, as well as a surprisingly long narwhal tusk that as originally believed to be the magical horn of a unicorn. Those long, brown, leathery things? Someone might tell you that they’re elephant trunks, but they’re really preserved whale penises. Much respect to the turn-of-the-century explorers who felt the need to document every aspect of the natural world.

For opening hours, location, and admission info, visit the Strahov Library site .

The Strahov Library is located in the Strahov Monastery complex on the hill overlooking Prague, near Prague Castle.

• Královská kanonie premonstrátů na Strahově
• Strahovské nádvoří 1/132
• CZ 118 00 Prague
• Czech Republic

Note: Visitors to the standard tour are not permitted to enter the libraries directly, but can view them from behind a velvet rope in the hallway; humidity from all the book-loving bodies was damaging the delicate frescoes. For a closer look, it’s possible to book a private tour that gets you into the library for 30 minutes of private gawking at gilded tomes; info is at the link above.

Double-note: There is a nominal charge for taking photographs. This is a historical library on the grounds of a monastery; please be gracious when paying or not paying the photography fee.

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Ssop podcast episode 01 — prague: castles and cobblestones, 7 unusual travel guides that will inspire you to visit prague, learning to read in czech, 15 books that capture the magic and mystery of prague, why you should visit the infinite spire of books at the prague city library, going behind the scenes at the beautiful strahov monastery library in prague, the search for 'jane eyre' and legendary strudel in prague, the týnská literary café in prague has a bohemian vibe, schnitzel meatballs and buttered potatoes inspired by the novel 'goulash', visiting the codex gigas (devil's bible) at the national library of sweden, secret rooms and gilded gewgaws: a brief tour of 8 majestic libraries, the splendor of the morgan library in new york city, sharing is caring.

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• Things to do in Prague
• Hradčany, the Castle District

Strahov Monastery

It may not be one of Prague’s most famous attractions, but the Strahov Monastery (Strahovský klášter in Czech), located between Petrin Hill and the Prague Castle district , is definitely worth a visit. Richly decorated rooms, precious works of art, medieval manuscripts, maps and globes, curious objects and elegant towers are the priceless treasures hidden within this important religious complex.

Its marvellous halls, especially the Philosophical Hall , have been visited over the centuries by countless celebrities, including Admiral Horatio Nelson and Austrian Princess Marie-Louise, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Take a look at the visitors’ log to see if any VIPs of interest have passed through here!

You too may have seen these rooms before: they have been used as a film set for famous Hollywood movies such as ‘The True Story of Jack the Ripper’ and ‘Casino Royale’. While it is true that the film setting paid a fitting tribute to the beauty of these timeless places, we can assure you that seeing them in person has a completely different effect. Not to be missed.

Strahov Library

The Strahov Library is undoubtedly the highlight of a visit to the monastery. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, it is the largest monastic library in the Czech Republic with an impressive collection of over 200,000 books, including 3,000 manuscripts .

Philosopher’s Hall

The Philosopher’s Hall  is a beautiful classicist hall decorated with frescoes, including a grandiose one depicting mankind’s search for wisdom.

Theological Hall

Smaller and older than the Philosopher’s Hall , the Theological Hall dates back to 1679 and has walls decorated with stucco and other ornaments. On one of the walls one can read the Latin inscription ‘Initio sapientiae timor domini’ (the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God).

Cabinet of Curiosities

The cabinet of curiosities is exactly what its name implies: a bizarre collection of objects that seem to have little in common. Sharks and other stuffed animals share space with antique objects, the most famous of which is the miniature coffee service made for Empress Maria Luisa of Habsburg in 1813.

Picture Gallery

The Strahov Picture Gallery is one of the most important collections in Central Europe of Gothic paintings, works of art from the time of Rudolf II and Baroque and Rococo paintings.

How to get to Strahov Monastery

The Strahov Monastery is easily reached from the centre by tram No. 22, the recommended stop is Pohořelec. Those arriving by car should leave it in one of the car parks outside the monastery.

There is no single entrance ticket for the Strahov Monastery , you must purchase tickets for the picture gallery and the library separately.

History of the Monastery

The religious complex of the Strahov Monastery of the Premonstratensian order was founded in 1140 by Vladislaus II, King of Bohemia, who dedicated it to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The original Gothic and Renaissance abbey was rebuilt in Baroque style in the 18th century. The buildings were used as a monastery until the communist era, when the government closed the convents and imprisoned the monks, who were only allowed to return to Strahov in 1990.

Today the complex houses a library, a picture gallery and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary .

Useful information

• Monday: 09:00 - 12:00, 12:30 - 17:00
• Tuesday: 09:00 - 12:00, 12:30 - 17:00
• Wednesday: 09:00 - 12:00, 12:30 - 17:00
• Thursday: 09:00 - 12:00, 12:30 - 17:00
• Friday: 09:00 - 12:00, 12:30 - 17:00
• Saturday: 09:00 - 12:00, 12:30 - 17:00
• Sunday: 09:00 - 12:00, 12:30 - 17:00

Where is located Strahov Monastery

How to save on transport and entrance fees.

City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.

Attractions around

Strahov Monastery Library

One of the most beautiful historical libraries in the world., theological hall, philosophical hall, cabinet of curiosities.

Strahov Monastery, Prague

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Ultimate Guide to the Secrets inside the stunning Strahov Monastery Library, Prague

As someone who is slowly making her way through a bucket list of visiting ‘ The Greatest Libraries in the World ‘, getting to explore the  Strahov Monastery  in  Prague  and their illustrious shelves of parchment treasures, was a dream come true.

Medieval Monastery

Intellectual progress of mankind.

The Strahov Monastery  was first established in 1140. Throughout the years it was destroyed and rebuilt, time after time, war after war. Many of their precious books were stolen, and despite this, every time they rebuilt it, they sought to rebuild their libraries, even grander. Creating a space of importance and preservation for the tombs within. Today, the Monastery and the library stand as a jewel of the Baroque era. Even from afar their bright red-tiled roofs and copper spires, aged to a brilliant teal colour, contrast the grey skies.

To get to the library, walk across the Charles Bridge to board the #22 Tram and ride it to the stop ‘Pohořelec’. From this stop it’s only a 5 minute walk downhill to get to the library. Alternatively, take in the monastery as a part of my Petrin Hill Self-Guided Walking Tour !

As you ascend the hill towards the main building, you first pass another piece of the Monastery’s history; its  brewery . This brewery was established in the 1600’s, and the monks would work and produce beer to create income their order. Even today you can visit the brewery and drink a glass sitting in their scenic beer garden. We made sure to make a pit stop here before heading to the library. Like all beer in Prague, it is cheap and delicious! And the view is unbeatable, look out over the valley and across to Prague Castle.

The entry price for visiting the Library and Pictures gallery is  CZK 120,  and there is a small photo fee if you want to take pictures. While some people complain about this cost, I love this feature. Some places don’t let you take pictures at all, but here, by charging a small fee, it can control the cameras in the museum and helps bring in a little more money to ensure proper preservation the delicate pages inside against those harsh flashes that people inevitably use. The library is open daily from 9am to 5pm (with a one hour lunch break from 12pm-1pm when it is closed). Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

The library has three parts which visitors can explore.  The Grand Philosophical Hall,   The Baroque Theological Hall  and  the Cabinets of Curiosities. After paying admission to a surely looking Czech woman inside an ancient wooden toll booth, you are allowed to head the old stone staricase towards the library.

Viewing Gallery

The first room you enter inside the Monastery is the Viewing Gallery. This room contains dozens of timeworn books, preserved in glass cases. The most important, beautiful and rare book of the collection, as well as one of the oldest, is the Strahov codex. The codex was rebound with red velvet in around 1180 and decorated with four enamel Romanesque carvings and six large red and white crystals. A sculpture of  Christ on the Cross,   Our Lady  and  St John , along with four silver Renaissance medallions of the evangelists were also added to create one of the most stunning book covers I’ve ever seen.

Behind the glass in the other cabinets, you can see the masterful art works within the pages of this book. This codex older than the Czech state itself, dating from 860-865. There are between 980 and 985 full page drawings of the evangelists. The illustrations contained within were painted by some of the great masters of book illustrations in the Ottoman empire.

In medieval times, before the printing press, the only way of getting text into books was to write it by hand. This was mostly done by Monks of the order. Since these Bibles and Holy tombs were handmade, they were extremely expensive. But they were most than just words; they were works of art. So much time, care and artistry were put into each unique treasure. The monks were incredibly talented, and each of the tiny painted scenes hidden on each piece of parchment brought the story alive to the readers. In addition to the codex, there are various other illustrated books from the medieval period depicting subjects like religion, mythology and even geography inside the glass cases in the entry.

The Grand Philosophical Hall

The Grand Philosophical Hall  is the jewel of the monastery. Looking from floor to ceiling at this ornately designed library will literally take your breath away. It contains over 42,000 ancient philosophical texts, sprawling along the room like a wave of knowledge. The room was designed in 1794 by  Jan Ignác Palliardi , an Italian architect living in Bohemia. He used elements of the previous, smaller library, when creating his final vision. This preserved the beautiful old walnut interior for the previous library.

The sheer size of this library is what first hits you. It is 32 meters long, 22 meters wide, with a ceiling height of 14 meters. Your eyes are not doubted drawn right up to the bright and action packed frescos above. These were done by the Viennese painter  Anton Maulbertsch , who spent over six months working with only one other artist to complete the stunning scene.

The painting depicts the ‘Intellectual Progress of Mankind’ and shows developments in science and religion, and their mutual impact on each other. It also represents man’s quest for knowledge and his drive to learn the secrets of the universe. We can see Noah building the ark, Cain and Abel as well as the evolution of Greek civilization. There are philosophers standing guard; Socrates and Diogenes as well as leaders like Alexander the Great. There are two levels to the library. The main level with rolling staircase to access the books at the very top of the shelves, and a gallery only accessible from a hidden spiral staircase. The staircase looks like the spines of books but is, in fact, simply painted onto the wooden door.

Cabinets of Curiosities

Between the Philosophers hall and the theological hall, you’ll come across various  cabinets of curiosities . This particular collection was from the estate of  Karel Jan Erben , brought to the monastery in 1798. These cabinets are tiny museums. Wealthy collectors had the ability to buy different items that interested or amused them and assemble it all together in these gilded cabinets. They would then invite friends over to admire their collection and tell stories about the various pieces within. To these people, it was the height of entertainment.

In the Renaissance when these cabinets first began to pop-up, the most popular items in the collections were mysterious or remarkable objects. Then, obsession moved onto natural sciences, like collections of sea fauna. There were insect collections, mineral samples, and wax replicas of fruit. One of rarest things in the collection is the prepared remains of, the now extinct, Dodo bird. There are weapons and armour from Bohemia as well as ceramics, sculptures and more. One of my favourite cabinets contains a ‘dendrology’ library. 68 volumes prepared by  Karel of Hinterlagen  from around 1825 full of different types of wood! Seems pretty dull but I love when people have something, even something mundane, that they are obsessed with.

The Theological Hall

The Theological Hall  is down the long hallway from the Philosopher’s Hall. This gallery contains over 18,000 religious texts. Many of the books included are rare volumes seen only by the monks and approved scholars. The room is named ‘Theological Hall’ after the fact that it contains nothing but different editions of the Bible or parts of the Bible in all different languages. The Theological Hall was built in 1671 by architect  Giovanni Domennico Orsi , a Prague burgher of Italian origin. The Italian influence can be seen throughout the design of the library, especially in all the stucco touches above the shelves.

The bookshelves are gilded wood with carved decoration. The use of red throughout related to the ‘sacred’ as these books were considered some of the most sacred things in their time. Although we look at the use of upright shelves in the library as the norm now, Baroque designers were the first ones to use the upright shelf design compared to the Gothic desk system or Romanesque treasury system.

Murals in the Theological Hall

Above the shelves of the Theological Hall are gilded wooded-carved decorations inside wooden cartouches. These functioned as a sort of early card cataloguing system. The pictures in the wooden cartouches specified the type of literature stored on the shelves below. Above all the shelves is magnificently painted fresco. The mural portrays the ethos of the library that a person with great faith must also build on his knowledge and provide education for those who need it, sharing his learned knowledge with the world. There is a piece of script carved into the iron gates on the other side of the library which states  INITIUM SAPIENTIAE TIMOR DOMINI  (the beginning of wisdom is fear of God.) Along the centre of the room are a series of 17th-century geographical and astronomical globes.

St John the Evangelist

One of the most important objects in the room is the late-Gothic wooden statue of  St John the Evangelist.  In his left hand, he holds a real ‘girdle-book’. These girdles were used as carrying cases for the treasured objects, in this case, books, as people travelled from city to city, reading to the common folk. The beautifully stitched and sewn carving of the girdle depicts the care that was taken in the protection of books in the medieval area. So much time and effort was taken into creating them; you had to be so careful when taking them out of the libraries arms.

The Strahov Monastery Library is one of those places that is often overlooked by the majority of travellers who come to Prague, so even if you’re not a bibliophile, this is a perfect place to soak in some beautiful architecture, gorgeous art and escape the crowds. If only for a moment.

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The Prague Libraries – Strahov Monastery and The Klementinum

Prague is home to the world’s most beautiful libraries, the Strahov Library and the Klementinum Library. This city is a book lover’s Mecca…

Home to some of the world’s most beautiful libraries, the Czech Republic is an excellent destination for book lovers. During our travels, we visited two world-renowned Prague libraries, each breathtakingly stunning in their own unique way.

Although Prague has plenty of gorgeous libraries, these two are the most notable – the Strahov Library and the Klementinum Library .

They are the ones you’d find on every Pinterest board for book lovers. The ones with the gilded and painted ceilings, the ancient books and the old, antique wood. I’d seen them so many times, that, when I finally visited the Prague libraries, I thought I had stepped onto a movie set. The libraries are as incredible in real life as they are in photographs, if not more so.

Strahov Monastery

The Strahov Library was the first of the Prague Libraries we visited. As I love books, it was right on top of my priority queue. Although I had seen it countless times in photographs, I was still very excited to visit it in real life.

A Walk through Petřín Gardens

The Strahov Library, however, is so much more than its two famous halls. The walk from Prague’s Old Town to the Strahov Monastery in itself was quite an excursion. From the heart of Prague, we crossed the Vltava via the Legionnaire’s Bridge. This bridge is the next one up from the famous Charles’ Bridge. From here, we walked up, through Petřín Gardens.

It was a crisp, cloudy winter’s day when we started out, but the 2 kilometres uphill helped us warm up. The park was empty, save for a couple of Czech families with little children struggling to make it up-hill on their little legs. Petřín Gardens is an attraction in itself. It’s a large city park just off the heart of Prague, and it provides a spectacular view of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Strahov Monastery Beer

On our way there, we spotted a little board. “Monastery Beer – Blueberry”, it said. Although it wasn’t even noon, it caught our eye. We walked past it at first, heading straight for the library. When we realised it was closed for lunch until one, we returned to the restaurant and ordered two mugs. Here, we discerned that the Czech don’t joke around when it comes to beer. The serving of beer, brewed in the monastery brewery, was huge. It was also strong, like all monastery beer.

The view from the terrace of Restaurant BellaVista, at the top of Petřín Gardens, is absolutely stunning. I was delighted that the librarians were out to lunch, for it gave us some time to enjoy the surrounding tranquillity. Although clouds had begun to gather, the vista stretched out before us was no less incredible under the overcast sky. From our table, we could see the Gothic towers of the St. Vitus Cathedral, their dark pinnacles rising from the colourful house below.

Definitely do not miss grabbing a beer on this terrace if you’re already on your way to visit the Strahov Library. It is definitely a worthwhile side quest!

Tickets to the Strahov Library

As you will find for most attractions in Prague, it’s not possible to prebook tickets for the Prague libraries online. To get a ticket to see the Strahov Library, we had to queue for one.

We got to the entrance at ten to one and were one of the first in the queue. The queue built up quickly though, so do get there before opening time!

TIP: VISITING THE STRAHOV LIBRARY

Tickets were around €10 per adult and €5 reduced fare (children and seniors). You need to get an extra ticket if you want to take photographs, even if it is with your phone. These photo tickets were about €2.90 per ticket. You can also book a private tour of the library for €100 per person.

There did not seem to be a limit to the number of visitors allowed inside the library. I noticed it getting more crowded during our visit as more people enter than leave. If you want to enjoy it in solitude, you’ll have to be the first one in.

The Theological Hall

Personally, I think the Theological Hall in the Strahov Library to be the most beautiful reading room in existence. I remember being enchanted when I first saw photographs of it years ago. It is an incredible place, with a pure white ceiling illuminated by beautiful figurative artwork. Its red and gold shelves stand in stark contrast to the muted palette of pastel in the murals and the light ochre of the oak floor.

The sacred rooms of the Prague Libraries are always empty because visitors are not allowed inside. Unless they purchase a private tour, which is about €100 per person. Although the price is a little steep, I thought it would have been well worth it.

A small window opens up from the passage that connects the two halls that make up the Strahov Library. The window is quite narrow, just large enough for one wide-shouldered man to stick his torso through. I was really glad I was one of the first up into the library. It gave me a few precious moments to have the Theological Hall all to myself.

What’s inside Strahov Library’s Theological Hall

The first thing I noticed when I stuck my head through the window of the Theological Hall, was the delightful smell of old books. The scent of old leather and paper washes over you the moment you pass the threshold into the Theological Hall.

Trying to distil the smell of an ancient library, apparently, is quite a popular pursuit. Writers, perfumers and even chocolatiers have all tried their hand at it. I think it’s because a library is one of the most important advancements of civilisation – the first stores of knowledge upon which our understanding of the world came to be. There is some true gravitas in the smell of old books.

The Ancient Books Inside the Theological Hall

The Theological Hall, I remember, triggered my olfactory sense the most of all the Prague Libraries. It was the smallest of the three halls, and the most packed. The moment I stuck my head in, I was blanketed with the smell of worn leather, delicate paper and old, polished hardwood. It felt like the books and furniture had been in here so long they had imprinted their smell into the bricks of the room that held them.

I craned my head as far to the left as I could, trying to get a good view of the nearest book. It was a big white tome a foot high, on the lowest shelf. There were others like it, all pressed firmly together. They were so old they seemed like white stones to me. I wasn’t even sure if it were possible to remove each on its own. The bottoms of their bindings were darkened from years of wear when people were still taking them from their shelves. I suppose most of the books must have been digitised by now, so if anyone wanted a look, they wouldn’t have to move them. 

The Medieval Scribe Desk

In the left corner of the Theological Hall is a strange desk called a compilation wheel. This fascinating piece of furniture is from the 17th Century. Although the Gutenberg press was well underway for three centuries, sacred books were still copied by hand. This rotating table was, therefore, a means by which knowledge was preserved. The desk consisted of one stable surface from which the scribe would do the copying and several inclined surfaces around a wheel. By turning the wheel, the scribe brought forth a different book from which to copy.

History and Design of the Theological Hall

The Theological Hall has been through quite a lot in the centuries since its completion in 1679. Its design is Italian in origin, evident in the design and stucco paintings on the ceiling. Another interesting fact I learned here was that storing books vertically was not always the norm. The vertical storage of books on shelves was a concept from the Baroque period, before that, books in Gothic libraries tended to be stored, horizontally, stacked atop one another.

During the later years of the library, the brilliant red shelves were painted blue-grey, and a parquet floor was installed over the original Baroque flooring. These additions have since been removed, and great care has been taken to restore the library back to full resplendence, as it was in the 17th Century.

The Philosophical Hall

The Philosophical Hall is probably the most traditional in the appearance of all the Prague libraries. It reminded me a bit of Trinity College Library in Dublin. I could see from its entrance, with doors thrown wide open, the magnificent ceiling illuminating the library. And, along its entire length were shelves upon shelves of books.

The two-storied hall was lit by soft natural light coming in from its windows, and its polished shelves gilded with gold gleamed softly. We spot a couple doing a private tour inside the library, and I wished we had gotten the opportunity to do the same. I could not help but wonder, as they entered a door tucked into the side, what was hidden behind those shelves.

The Ceiling of the Philosophical Hall

The painting on the ceiling completely captivated me. At its end, across the hall were the figures of Aristotle and Alexander the Great, among other philosophers of antiquity. Above the entrance were religious and spiritual figures important to the history of Bohemia, like King Wenceslas and his pagan grandmother, St. Ludmila. On the ceiling of the Philosophical Hall, reason and religion intermingled.

A Book Case, with a Gift from Napoleon Bonaparte

I noticed an impressive bookcase, free-standing on the floor. It was a foot in front of the shelves by the library’s window. Seen from the side, I almost did not realise how grand it was, and that it was topped with an elaborate bust.

I learned that this bookcase houses several books that were gifts from Napolean Bonaparte brought to Prague by his queen and the Austrian princess, Marie Louise. Among the rare books gifted was a four-volume work on the first Louvre museum, of which there are only four copies today. Supposedly, this is because Napolean destroyed the rest, not wanting to publicise that most of the Louvre’s collection is made up of loot from Italy and Greece! Regardless of the ethics surrounding this volume, it is a fascinating treasure hidden in one of the Prague Libraries.

The Cabinet of Curiosities

Connecting the Theological Hall and the Philosophical Hall is a corridor that houses the Cabinet of Curiosities, a concept that is a precursor to the modern museum.

Although the Cabinet is not as enchanting as the libraries, it served an essential purpose during Bohemia’s Renaissance. Here, we can see an early system for categorising artefacts from the natural world, leading to the beginnings of the natural sciences that would flourish as Europe entered the 1800s.

I found myself absolutely fascinated by the diversity of objects on display along the corridor. There was such a wide variety of them, from natural history specimens like butterflies and fish to illuminated religious manuscripts. At one end, there was a grand marble Buddha.

There was also an Egyptian mummy, though this is not part of the monastery’s permanent collection. The mummy is not very large and was hanging on the wall. Usually, I find mummies slightly creepy, but this one had a rather kind face painted on.

Unicorns, Narwhales and Maritime History

I also spotted a strange, spear-like object placed with various nautical artefacts. These included a detailed model of a ship and some cannonballs. It looked to me like a unicorn’s horn from a fairytale; In fact, people had believed it was such, until the last century when we discovered the narwhale. Although it looks like Narwhales have horns, what they have instead is a really long tooth which they use for defence and to fight for mates.

The Klementinum

The Charles’ Bridge and the street that follows from it, is packed with tourists year-round. The situation was intense when we were there on Christmas Eve. In an attempt to avoid the crowds, we ducked under a doorway carved in the stone wall of the Klementinum.

We were surprised to find a beautiful garden surrounded by high walls, empty save us and another couple. Walking a little farther, we saw a poster advertising a tour of the Klementinum. The poster was very faded. Had we not taken a close look, we would not have seen how impressive the Klementinum is, inside. Even in those sun-bleached photos, it looked like an incredible place.

We started the tour by climbing up quite many steps. There usually is an elevator in service, but it was not functioning during our visit. Luckily, the tour includes many stops along the way. This meant we never had to climb too many steps at once.

There are four main highlights of the tour, each incredible in its own way. On top of these attractions, the Klementinum’s connecting rooms were also filled with many fascinating objects. Most of these are scientific instruments from the 1700s and 1800s – sextants, clocks, weights and measures. Many of them were astronomical instruments used to understand the universe. The moment I entered the Klementinum, I felt it was a special place which played a significant role in the advancement of science in Bohemia and the West.

The Klementinum Library

The start of the tour was undoubtedly the Klementinum’s Baroque Library. The largest of the Prague Libraries, it is an incredible place. Some say it is the most beautiful library in the world. Even more poignant is that this library has been awarded the UNESCO Memory of the World Prize. An award reserved for collections that safeguard humanity’s heritage from collective amnesia, neglect and the ravages of time.

When we visited, we were in a tour group of about thirty people, the maximum size for a group. Our guide asked us to take turns viewing the library, as there were stringent rules in place – as is the case for all of the Prague libraries. We were divided into three groups, each getting a turn of about five minutes on the viewing deck at the entrance. This prevents the humidity levels in the library from rising, which would damage the fragile books inside.

Experiencing the World’s Most Beautiful Library

I made sure to go in with the last and smallest group, taking my place right in front of the fence at the entrance. The library’s interior is absolutely breath-taking. For someone who adores books as I do, the feeling is sacred. The lighting was quite dark – again, to protect the books, but it only made the interior seem more dramatic. The library must have many secrets, hidden in the pages of the volumes that line its walls.

A visitor asked the guide what the point of this library was, if no one could visit it for its books. The guide replied that researchers are allowed to visit and that the librarians are currently working with Google Books to digitise some of the collection’s most important works.

The Vyšehrad Codex

Among the Klementinum Library’s treasured collection of books is an extraordinary gospel book, the Vyšehrad Codex. It’s unique because of its age and the beauty of its illustrations. The original was created in the 11th Century, during the Romanesque period.

The book is not on display, but there is a perfect copy of it in the hall outside the Library. Because it is a copy, we were allowed to flip its pages and peruse the stunning iconography within. I’m not a massive fan of art from the middle ages, but this book is terrific. Its pages were laid out and decorated by a true artist.

The Meridian Hall

After we visited the last of the Prague Libraries, we continued on upwards, towards the astronomical tower. The spiral stairs continued to get narrower, and the passage gradually grew darker, until we came to an extraordinary room – the Meridian Hall.

I felt my curiosity ignite the moment I stepped in. It was a very tall, but small room, dimly lit by the winter’s sun through a crack in a high window. On either side were large brass quadrants once used to calculate the distance between the planets. At its centre was a shallow cabinet in the floor.

An Entire Room Turned into a Camera Obscura

Our tour guide told us that the room was a camera obscura. He closed the shutters of the tall window, throwing the hall into complete darkness, save for a pin-prick of light coming through a hole in the wall. He explained that the wooden “cabinet” in the floor held a string and that when the sunlight hit the string on the far end, it was high noon.

During winter, which was when we visited the Klementinum, the pin-prick of light would fall on the northern end.

The Astronomical Tower

I found that the best-kept secret of the Klementinum is its Astronomical Tower. We had gone on the tour, hoping to see the most beautiful of the Prague Libraries and ended up experiencing so much more.

We were fortunate the day we visited the Klementinum. Being the period around Christmas, the weather in Prague can be quite erratic, tending towards grey skies. However, the moment we got up on the tower, all the clouds cleared, and the sky was a brilliant blue. It was the perfect winters’ day.

Best Views of Prague Old Town

The view from the Astronomical Tower is undoubtedly the best view of Prague. From here, we could see all the hits. The twin towers of the Church of Our Lady Before Týn, the Tower of Charles’ Bridge, the roofs of the Old Town Hall which hosts the famous Clock Tower of Prague and, finally in the distance, the Prague Castle.

The best thing about it was, since the number of people per tour group is limited, we had enough space to enjoy it all. It is still worth going up the tower of the Old Town Hall. Yet, unquestionably, the Klementinum’s Astronomical Tower wins for the best viewing experience of Prague.

For us, the moment could not have been more perfect. Having had several days of grey weather, we had almost given up hope of capturing Prague’s full magnificence. Then, just a day before we were to leave, this – brilliant blue skies, a warm afternoon sun, and the view of the historical centre of Prague, stretched out before us.

FAQs for The Prague Libraries

The Klementinum claims to be the most beautiful library in the world, and it might just be true. The Strahov Library’s Philosophical and Theological Halls are also often listed among the most beautiful libraries in the world.

To visit the Klementinum Library, you’ll need to do the full guided tour of the Klementinum, which includes the Library, the Astronomical Tower, and the rest of the building. Tour groups are limited to 20 per person, so we recommend buying a ticket ahead of time in person. (You can’t buy them online.)

To visit Strahov Monastery’s Philosophical and Theological Halls, you need to queue in line for a ticket during opening hours. The number of visitors inside the library is only limited by the hold up when buying the ticket, so it can get quite crowded inside.

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Strahov Library

Top choice in Prague

Strahov Library is the largest monastic library in the country, with two magnificent baroque halls dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. You can peek through the doors but, sadly, you can’t go into the halls themselves – it was found that fluctuations in humidity caused by visitors’ breath were endangering the frescoes. There's also a display of historical curiosities.

The stunning interior of the two-storey-high Philosophy Hall (Filozofický sál; 1780–97) was built to fit around the carved and gilded, floor-to-ceiling walnut shelving that was rescued from another monastery in South Bohemia (access to the upper gallery is via spiral staircases concealed in the corners). The feeling of height here is accentuated by a grandiose ceiling fresco, Mankind’s Quest for True Wisdom – the figure of Divine Providence is enthroned in the centre amid a burst of golden light, while around the edges are figures ranging from Adam and Eve to the Greek philosophers.

The lobby outside the hall contains an 18th-century Cabinet of Curiosities displaying the grotesquely shrivelled remains of sharks, skates, turtles and other sea creatures. These flayed and splayed corpses were prepared by sailors, who passed them off to credulous landlubbers as ‘sea monsters’. Lying on a table to the right of the entrance, along with a narwhal tusk, are two long, brown, leathery things – preserved whale penises.

Another case (beside the door to the corridor) contains historical items, including a miniature coffee service made for the Habsburg empress Marie Louise in 1813, which fits into four false books. Opposite it is the Xyloteka (1825), a set of book-like boxes, each one bound in the wood and bark of the tree it describes, with samples of leaves, roots, flowers and fruits inside. As you enter the corridor, look to the left to find a facsimile of the library’s most prized possession, the Strahov Evangeliary , a 9th-century codex in a gem-studded, 12th-century binding.

The corridor leads to the older but even more beautiful Theology Hall (Teologiský sál; 1679). The low, curved ceiling is thickly encrusted in ornate baroque stucco work, and decorated with painted cartouches depicting the theme of ‘True Wisdom’, which was acquired, of course, through piety – one of the mottoes that adorns the ceiling is initio sapientiae timor domini (the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God).

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Strahov Monastery (Strahovský Kláster) Tours and Tickets

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Strahov Monastery (Czech: Strahovský klášter) is a Premonstratensian abbey founded in 1143 by Jindřich Zdík, Bishop John of Prague, and Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia. It is located in Strahov, Prague, Czech Republic. After his pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1138, the bishop of Olomouc, Jindřich Zdík, took hold of the idea of founding a monastery of regular canons in Prague. He had the support of the bishops of Prague and Soběslav I, Duke of Bohemia and—after his death—Vladislav II. After Zdík's first unsuccessful attempt to found a Czech variant of the canons' order at the place called Strahov in 1140, an invitation was issued to the Premonstratensians, whose first representatives arrived from Steinfeld in the Rhine valley (now Germany). The monks began to build their monastery first of wood, with a Romanesque basilica as the center of all spiritual events in Strahov. The building was gradually completed and the construction of the monastery stone buildings continued, in order to replace the provisional wooden living quarters with permanent stone. In 1258, the monastery was heavily damaged by fire and later renewed. After the fall of the communist regime in 1989, the monastery was returned to the Premonstratensian Order, which began to realize a costly reconstruction of the building. By 1994 the church had been restored, a new technical network constructed, the Strahov picture gallery newly built, and the Strahov library renewed. Other architectural restorations were also carried out.

• Visitors must join a tour to go inside the library; if you do not join a tour, you can only view the interior from the doorway.
• Some tours include beer tasting at the on-site brewery; pre-book to take advantage of this option.
• The monastery and its grounds contain uneven cobblestone floors and therefore may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.
• The on-site brewery has a restaurant that offers lunch and snacks.

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• Hearing kits
• Access with Portable Ramp
• Accessible elevator
• Easy without assistance
• Recommended time for visit 1 hour
• Recommended time for visit 2 hours
• Audio Guide
• Place has Special Guide Service
• Service animals permitted

As you enter the Strahov Monastery in Prague, a sense of tranquility washes over you. The air is infused with the musty scent of ancient books, the pages whispering the stories of the monks who once walked these hallowed halls. You hear the soft murmur of fellow visitors, their footsteps echoing softly on the polished stone floors. The light filtering through stained glass windows casts a warm, golden glow on the ornate frescoes that adorn the walls, telling tales of devotion and faith. As you make your way through the library, the shelves towering high above you hold an impressive collection of rare and ancient texts. The leather-bound books seem to beckon you closer, their faded spines promising secrets and knowledge waiting to be discovered. In the Theological Hall, the scent of polished wood mingles with the sweet fragrance of incense, creating an intoxicating sensory experience. The intricate ceiling fresco dances above you, depicting scenes of heavenly beauty that transport you to another world. You pause in the Philosophical Hall, the grandeur of the space taking your breath away. The Baroque architecture is a visual feast, with elaborate stucco work and delicate details that speak of a time when craftsmanship was revered above all else. As you wander through the monastery gardens, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze soothes your soul. The scent of blooming flowers fills the air, wrapping you in a blanket of tranquility and peace. Your journey through the Strahov Monastery is a voyage of the senses, a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents that awaken something deep within you. As you bid farewell to this sacred place, you carry with you a sense of reverence and awe, knowing that you have experienced something truly special.<br/>

Strahov Monastery in Prague does not currently offer audio descriptive guides or specific sensory-friendly hours for visitors with visual or sensory impairments. Visitors looking for this type of support may want to contact the monastery in advance to inquire about any available accommodations or alternative options.<br/>

Located in the historical district of Prague, the Strahov Monastery is a place that has inspired many local writers and artists throughout the years. Its beautiful architecture, stunning views of the city, and rich history make it a favorite spot for creatives in Prague. Local writer and poet, Eva Nováková, describes the monastery as a place of tranquility and inspiration. She often visits the monastery gardens to find peace and calm in the midst of the bustling city. "The Strahov Monastery is like a hidden gem in Prague. It’s a place where I can escape the noise and distractions of everyday life and focus on my writing," she says. For artist Pavel Kovařík, the monastery’s intricate frescoes and ornate library are a constant source of inspiration. "The Baroque architecture of the Strahov Monastery is truly breathtaking. I love to spend hours wandering through the halls, studying the detail in the frescoes and soaking in the ambiance of the place," he shares. Local historian and tour guide, Jana Marešová, points out that the monastery’s library is a must-see for anyone visiting Prague. "The Strahov Library houses one of the most extensive and valuable collections of books in the Czech Republic. The architecture and design of the library are a work of art in themselves, and every book lover should make a point to visit," she recommends. Overall, the Strahov Monastery is not just a tourist attraction, but a cultural hub that has left a lasting impact on the local creative community in Prague. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or history enthusiast, a visit to this iconic monastery is sure to leave you inspired and in awe of its beauty.<br/>

Located in the Hradčany district of Prague, the Strahov Monastery is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. ### Directions and Transportation: - **Public Transportation**: - **Tram**: Take tram number 22 to the Pohořelec stop, which is the closest to the monastery. From there, it’s just a short walk up the hill to reach Strahov Monastery. - **Bus**: Bus numbers 143, 149, or 176 also stop near the monastery. - **Taxi or Ride-Sharing**: Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available in Prague. You can easily hail a taxi or use apps like Uber or Bolt to reach the monastery. - **Walking**: If you’re in the city center or nearby areas like Prague Castle, you can enjoy a scenic walk to the monastery. It’s a bit uphill, but the views are worth it. ### Accessibility: - The monastery is wheelchair accessible, though some areas may have limited accessibility due to historical architecture. - Visitors with specific accessibility needs are advised to contact the monastery in advance to make necessary arrangements. ### Ticket Booking and Discounts: - Tickets can be purchased on-site at the monastery entrance or booked online through their official website. - Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and children. It’s recommended to check the monastery’s website for any ongoing promotions or special offers. ### Local Amenities: - **Parking**: Limited parking spaces are available near the monastery, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. Consider using public transportation or arriving early to secure a parking spot. - **Restrooms**: Restrooms are available on-site for visitors. - **Dining**: The monastery may have a cafe or restaurant where visitors can enjoy refreshments or a meal. Options for various dietary needs are usually available, but it’s recommended to check in advance if you have specific requirements. Additionally, there are several dining options in the surrounding area.<br/>

Strahov Monastery is situated on the western outskirts of Prague, overlooking the city. The monastery is surrounded by beautiful grounds and gardens, which offer various walking routes for visitors to enjoy. Here are some pathways and trails you can explore at Strahov Monastery: 1. Monastery Gardens: The monastery gardens are well-maintained and provide a serene atmosphere for a leisurely stroll. You can wander along the pathways lined with flowers, shrubs, and trees, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. 2. Petřín Hill: Adjacent to the monastery is Petřín Hill, a popular green space in Prague. You can take a hike up the hill from the monastery grounds, following the winding paths through the lush forest. The climb is relatively steep, but the panoramic views of the city from the top are well worth it. 3. Strahovská Zahrada (Strahov Gardens): These historic gardens are located behind the monastery and offer a network of walking paths through meticulously landscaped greenery. You can explore the various sections of the gardens, including the orchard, rose garden, and vineyard, while enjoying the views of Prague Castle and the Vltava River. 4. Circular Path around the Monastery: For a shorter walk, you can follow the pathway that circles around the monastery complex. This route provides views of the monastery’s stunning architecture from different angles and allows you to appreciate the tranquility of the surrounding area. 5. Elevation Changes: While the pathways in the monastery grounds and gardens are mostly flat, the hike up Petřín Hill involves some elevation changes. Be prepared for a moderate ascent if you choose to explore the trails on the hill. Overall, walking at Strahov Monastery offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life of Prague, allowing you to connect with nature and soak in the rich history of this historic site.<br/>

Strahov Monastery in Prague is a popular tourist destination and can get quite crowded, especially during the peak tourist season which generally runs from May to September. To avoid the largest crowds, it is recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon. The monastery can also get crowded on weekends, so visiting during the week may offer a more peaceful experience. The off-peak season, from October to April, generally sees fewer tourists and smaller crowds. Weather conditions in Prague can vary throughout the year. The summer months (June to August) tend to be the warmest with temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C). The spring and fall months are mild with temperatures ranging from 40-60°F (4-15°C). Winter (December to February) can be cold with temperatures dropping below freezing, so be sure to dress warmly if visiting during this time. Special events may take place at Strahov Monastery throughout the year, such as concerts, exhibitions, and religious ceremonies. It is recommended to check the monastery’s official website or inquire locally to find out about any upcoming events during your visit. Overall, the best time to visit Strahov Monastery in Prague would be during the off-peak season (October to April) to avoid crowds and enjoy more pleasant weather conditions.<br/>

Strahov Monastery, or Strahovský Kláster in Czech, is a historic landmark located in the Hradčany district of Prague, Czech Republic. Founded in 1140, the monastery has a rich history and cultural significance that dates back centuries. One of the most notable aspects of Strahov Monastery is its stunning library, which houses a valuable collection of over 200,000 books and manuscripts. The library’s two main halls, the Theological Hall and the Philosophical Hall, are renowned for their Baroque architecture and exquisite ceiling frescoes. The Theological Hall in particular is known for its impressive collection of theological and philosophical works, as well as its beautifully carved wooden shelves and ancient globes. In addition to its library, Strahov Monastery is also home to the Strahov Gallery, which features an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The gallery includes works by renowned artists such as Titian, Rubens, and Veronese, as well as a collection of significant Czech art. Beyond its cultural treasures, Strahov Monastery also holds historical significance as one of the oldest monastic establishments in Prague. Over the centuries, the monastery has played a pivotal role in the development of Czech culture and education, serving as a center for scholarly activities and religious worship. Today, Strahov Monastery continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to admire its architectural beauty, explore its vast collection of books and artwork, and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of this iconic Prague landmark.<br/>

1. **Strahov Library**: The Baroque library hall at Strahov Monastery is a must-visit for any photography enthusiast. The stunning interior of the library, with its intricate frescoes, antique globes, and rows of ancient books, offers plenty of photo opportunities. The best time to visit is in the morning when it’s less crowded. 2. **Strahov Monastery Courtyard**: The monastery’s peaceful courtyard is another great spot for photography. The architecture of the buildings, the tranquil atmosphere, and the well-maintained gardens make it an ideal location for capturing some beautiful shots. The late afternoon sunlight can create a warm and soothing ambiance for your photos. 3. **Petřín Hill Lookout Tower**: For a panoramic view of Prague and the Strahov Monastery, head to the Petřín Hill Lookout Tower. The tower offers a bird’s-eye view of the city, including the monastery, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle. Sunset is a magical time to capture the cityscape with warm, golden light. 4. **Strahov Monastery Garden**: The monastery’s garden, with its manicured lawns, colorful flowers, and scenic views, is a lovely setting for photography. Visit during the golden hour - an hour after sunrise or before sunset - for soft, flattering light that enhances the beauty of the garden. 5. **Strahov Monastery Street View**: To capture a classic view of the monastery’s exterior, head to the street in front of the entrance. The pastel-colored buildings, cobblestone streets, and the iconic red roofs of Prague provide a picturesque backdrop for your photos. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to avoid crowds and capture the charming atmosphere of the area.<br/>

Strahov Monastery in Prague is highly recommended by visitors for its stunning library, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city. Many reviewers suggest taking a guided tour to learn more about the monastery’s history and architecture. The library is a popular highlight, with its impressive collection of old books and ornate decor. Visitors also recommend exploring the monastery’s historic chambers, including the Theological Hall and Philosophical Hall, which showcase intricate frescoes and intricate design details. The monastery’s brewery is another attraction, where visitors can sample traditional Czech beers. Local tips include visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds, as well as taking the time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery gardens. Additionally, many visitors recommend combining a visit to Strahov Monastery with nearby attractions such as Prague Castle and Petrin Hill for a full day of sightseeing.<br/>

At Strahov Monastery in Prague, visitors can rent bicycles, mobility scooters, and wheelchairs to explore the area. Bicycle rentals: - Bicycles are available for rent for visitors who wish to explore the monastery and its surroundings on two wheels. - Rental prices vary based on the duration of the rental. Mobility scooter rentals: - Mobility scooters are available for visitors who require assistance with mobility. - Rental prices may differ based on the duration of the rental. Wheelchair rentals: - Wheelchairs are available for visitors who need assistance with mobility. - Rental prices may vary depending on the duration of the rental. It is recommended to inquire at the monastery’s information desk or reception area for more details on availability, pricing, and booking procedures for bicycle, mobility scooter, and wheelchair rentals during your visit.<br/>

Strahov Monastery is a unique attraction in Prague, known for its beautiful baroque architecture, stunning library, and a fascinating collection of ancient manuscripts and books. The monastery was founded in the 12th century and has a rich history that makes it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. One of the main highlights of Strahov Monastery is its stunning library, which is divided into two parts: the Philosophical Hall and the Theological Hall. The Philosophical Hall features an ornate ceiling with intricate frescoes, while the Theological Hall is home to an impressive collection of over 200,000 rare books and manuscripts, some of which date back to the 9th century. Visitors can admire these historical treasures and learn about the monastery’s role in preserving Czech culture and history. In addition to the library, Strahov Monastery also boasts a beautiful basilica, a peaceful monastery garden, and a charming courtyard with stunning views of Prague Castle and the city skyline. The monastery is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it a great place to relax and soak in the history and beauty of Prague. Strahov Monastery is best suited for history buffs, art lovers, and anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Prague. The monastery’s impressive architecture, rare book collection, and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone looking to delve into the history and culture of this enchanting city.<br/>

While Strahov Monastery in Prague is well-known for its beautiful library and stunning views of the city, there are some hidden gems within the monastery that are worth exploring: 1. **The Cabinet of Curiosities**: Located in the Philosophy Hall of the library, this small collection showcases a variety of unusual and intriguing objects such as fossils, shells, and other artifacts. It offers a glimpse into the history of scientific exploration and curiosity that was popular during the Baroque period. 2. **The Theological Hall**: While not as famous as the famous library, the Theological Hall is another beautiful and impressive space within the monastery. Admire the intricate ceiling frescoes and browse the collection of theological works that are housed here. 3. **The Strahov Picture Gallery**: Adjacent to the library, the Picture Gallery displays a collection of European paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries. It is a quieter and lesser-visited space compared to the main attractions of the monastery, making it a peaceful place to appreciate art in a serene setting. 4. **The Strahov Gardens**: After exploring the interiors of the monastery, take a stroll through the scenic Strahov Gardens. The terraced gardens offer panoramic views of Prague and are a great spot to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the bustling city streets. 5. **The Brewery Museum**: Strahov Monastery is also home to a small brewery that produces traditional Czech beers. The Brewery Museum offers visitors the chance to learn about the history of brewing in the Czech Republic and sample some of the monastery’s beers. Exploring these hidden gems within Strahov Monastery allows visitors to appreciate the rich history and cultural heritage of this iconic Prague landmark from a different perspective.<br/>

When visiting Strahov Monastery in Prague, it is important to keep in mind the following safety protocols and regulations: 1. Respect the designated pathways and areas: Stay on the designated pathways and respect any restricted areas within the monastery grounds. 2. Follow any posted signs or instructions: Pay attention to any signs or instructions posted throughout the monastery and follow them accordingly. 3. Keep your belongings secure: Ensure that your belongings are secure and with you at all times to prevent any loss or theft. 4. Be mindful of other visitors: Be considerate of other visitors and maintain a respectful distance when exploring the monastery. 5. No smoking or drinking alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol are generally not allowed within the monastery premises. Please adhere to these rules for the safety and comfort of everyone. 6. Photography and filming rules: Follow any guidelines regarding photography and filming within the monastery. Some areas may be restricted for photography and filming, so always ask for permission if unsure. 7. Dress modestly: As a place of religious significance, it is recommended to dress modestly when visiting the monastery out of respect for the religious community and other visitors. By following these safety protocols and regulations, you can help ensure a pleasant and respectful visit to Strahov Monastery in Prague.<br/>

At Strahov Monastery in Prague, bird enthusiasts can observe various species. Some notable birds that can be spotted at the site include: 1. Eurasian Jay 2. Eurasian Magpie 3. Eurasian Blackbird 4. European Robin 5. Eurasian Wren 6. Common Chaffinch 7. Great Tit 8. European Greenfinch 9. Coal Tit 10. Common Wood Pigeon These are just a few of the bird species that you might encounter at Strahov Monastery while bird watching.<br/>

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Guide to Strahov Monastery: Attractions, Admission & Beer Garden

Founded in 1143, Strahov Monastery is still inhabited by about 70 monks from the Premonstratensian Order.

It offers numerous attractions, which is why it is considered one of the most popular sights in Prague.

In this complete guide to Strahov Monastery, you'll learn all about the exhibition, history, and helpful information about directions and tickets.

What Can I Do at Strahov Monastery?

The Strahov Monastery , located near Prague Castle, is particularly famous for its splendidly furnished Baroque library. It is considered to be one of the most valuable and best preserved historical libraries.

The monastery library contains over 200,000 volumes, 3000 original manuscripts from the Middle Ages, artifacts, first prints, manuscripts, and curiosities. It consists mainly of the following three halls.

• Theology Hall: This hall was built between 1671 and 1674 and is the oldest part of Strahov Library. The Baroque hall houses about 18,000 books of mostly theological writings, as well as countless editions of the Bible.
• Philosophical Hall: The Philosophical Hall in the monastery library from 1794 is also worth seeing. The magnificent ceiling frescoes by Anton Maulbertsch and Siard Nosecký are particularly impressive. The classicist hall with ceiling-high walnut bookshelves covers two floors and contains philosophical, legal, medical, pharmaceutical, mathematical, geographical, and astronomical books.
• Cabinet of Curiosities:  The library houses a Cabinet of Curiosities, also known as the Wunderkammer. It presents rarities, archaeological excavations, as well as natural science collections.

Picture Gallery

Additionally, the monastery houses an important painting gallery with one of the most valuable monastery collections in Central Europe. The collections consist of about 1,500 paintings and other exhibits from the Gothic and Romantic periods.

The collections can be divided into the following sections.

• Painting and Sculpture between 1300 - 1500
• Rudolfin Paintings
• Flemish Paintings
• Central European paintings from the 17th to the 19th centuries

The Treasury of Strahov Monastery presents a variety of different liturgical objects in a permanent exhibition. The exhibition includes unique handicrafts of Czech origin, as well as those from different parts of Europe. Visitors can admire, among other things, chalices, reliquaries, and vestments from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century.

Monastery Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The original Romanesque three-nave basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary from 1148 is located in the center of the monastery. The Roman Catholic church acquired its present appearance, in the Baroque style, during reconstruction between the years 1742 to 1758.

Magnificent wall paintings and ceiling frescoes decorate the interior of the church. The founders of the monastery, Prince Vladislav II and Bishop Jindřich Zdík, were buried in an unknown place in the church.

In 1787, no less than Mozart is said to have played the organ in the monastery church.

St. Rochus Church

The second church in the area of the monastery is the Church of St. Roch. Visitors can find it in the forecourt of the monastery. The church, dedicated to St. Roch, the saint of the plague, was donated by Emperor Rudolf II in 1603 in gratitude for being spared from the plague. Since the 20th century, the former parish church has served as an exhibition hall.

Beer in the Monastery

Strahov Monastery is also home to a famous monastery brewery. The brewery has been brewing beer since the 13th century.

St. Norbert beer, named after the founder of the Premonstratensian Order, is produced here in various variations in this family business. There are also seasonal beer offerings, including a bock beer with a 6.3% alcohol content, which is served from the end of September, and the Easter beer with a 5.3% alcohol content, which is available on the Friday before Good Friday.

According to surveys, this monastery brewery produces the best beer in the whole Czech Republic. More about the best beer in Prague you can find in our list:  Where can I drink good beer in Prague?

Beer Garden and Restaurant

The beer garden in the monastery attracts both locals and tourists from all over the world. It is the ideal place to taste famous Czech beer . The popular beer garden in the monastery is especially attractive when the weather is nice.

Equally popular is the restaurant in the monastery brewery, which is one of the top restaurants in Prague with Czech cuisine .

Admission, Tickets, and Guided Tours

• Admission: The library of the monastery and the picture gallery have separate entrances and tickets.
• Strahov Library + Picture Gallery  Ticket  : The monastery offers a combined ticket that gives access to both the Picture Gallery and the Strahov Monastery Library. A family ticket (2 adults, 3 children under 15) is also available.
• One-way Ticket for the Strahov Library: For visitors who only want to explore the Strahov Library, the one-way ticket for the library is recommended. The current prices are available here .
• One-way Ticket the Strahov Picture Gallery: For visitors who, on the other hand, only want to visit the Picture Gallery, the one-way ticket for the Strahov Picture Gallery is an option. An overview of the current admission prices can be found here .
• Photo Permission: A photo permit is required to take photos in the library and gallery. Information about this can be found on the monastery's  website .
• Guided Tours: During a guided tour, visitors can experience deep insights into the library and the gallery i the Strahov Monastery.

How to Get to Strahov Monastery?

Strahov Monastery is located in the Hradčany district in Prague. It is located the Petrin Hill near the Prague Castle.

The best way to reach it from the city center is by streetcar line 22 to the Pohořelec station.

History of Strahov Monastery

Strahov Monastery was built in 1140 on Petrin Hill. The foundation of the Premonstratensian monastery took place through the cooperation of Olomouc Bishop, Henry Zdík, and Bohemian King, Vladislav II.

In 1142, a group of members of the Premonstratensian Order settled in the building and further expanded the area.

Over the centuries, the monastery withstood several battles, fires, and revolutions. The most devastating fire happened early in the history of the monastery, in 1258. A large part of the monastery, including the library as well as a church, fell victim to the fire.

Several repair and reconstruction works took place over the years. The monastery got its present appearance in the Baroque style during reconstruction in the 17th century. The magnificent baroque library dates from the time.

An absolute standstill came in 1950 with the communist occupation. For the first time since its foundation, the monks had to leave the monastery. Many were expelled or arrested, and the monastery itself was closed.

Only with the collapse of the communist regime in 1989, could the monks return to the monastery.

Even today the monastery is the seat of the Premonstratensian Order.

• Addresse:  Strahov Kloster, Strahovské nádvoří 1/132, 118 00
• Opening Hours: The current opening hours can be found on the website of the monastery.
• Public Transport: By streetcar line 22 to the Pohořelec stop
• Website:  Strahovskyklaster.cz

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For visitors

"I wish that your visit to Strahov brings you joy both physically and spiritually, that you allow yourself to be inspired by the spirituality, beauty, and art, and invite God's grace to touch your heart."

(Daniel Peter Janáček, Abbot of Strahov)

• Tickets are sold until 4:15 PM.
• Last entry to the library is at 4:30 PM.
• Tickets are sold until 4:00 PM.
• Last entry to the Joint Tour is at 4:15 PM.
• Before entering the Joint Tour, you have to place your luggage in a locker at the box office in the Church of St. Roch near the main gate.

Admission Fees

• Adults → 150 CZK
• Reduced → 80 CZK
• Family → 300 CZK (1 to 2 adults and max. 5 children up to 14 years)
• Elementary school students → 20 CZK (groups of Czech elementary school students within an educational program)

This tour includes visits to all public areas — the library, the gallery, the historical parts of the Abbey, and if there is an exhibition taking place, visitors can also visit it as part of this tour.

• Adults → 290 CZK
• Family → 600 CZK (1 to 2 adults and 1-5 children under 15 years old)
• Reduced → 150 CZK
• Elementary schools pupils → 30 CZK (teachers free)

• Children under 6 years of age
• Holders of card for the disabled
• Members of orders and congregations
• Holders of the ICOM card
• Teachers accompanying a group of pupils or students
• Tour guides of travel agencies, for travel agencies every 21st person
• Children and youth from 6 to 17 years old
• Students with an ISIC card up to 26 years old
• Educators with an ITIC card
• Seniors (65 years and older)

Ticket Purchase

• Online tickets: can be purchased at the link below.
• Physical tickets can be purchased at the ticket office near the main gate.
• Ticket sales at the ticket office: – Library: 9:00 AM → 4:15 PM – Joint Tour: 9:00 AM → 4:00 PM.

Buy Ticket Online   Where Is The Ticket Office?

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