Strahov Monastery

The Strahov Monastery is a Premonstratensian abbey founded in 1143 by the bishop of Olomouc, Jindrich Zdik, under the support of two dukes of Bohemia - Sobeslav I and Vladislav II. The religious complex is situated at an elevated point at the back of Petrin Hill, offering magnificent views of the Lesser Town and the Prague Castle. Despite the damage and destruction it suffered over the years by fire, water, and wars, the monastery still stands tall in Strahov, Prague. The structure underwent a Gothic-style reconstruction in 1258 after a devastating fire, and further renovation was undertaken during the Baroque era.

The central attraction is the Basilica of Assumption of Our Lady with the Chapel of St Ursula and the Chapel of Our Lady of Passau added later. The Baroque Theological Hall and the Classicist Philosophical Hall of the Strahov Library are home to more than 200,000 volumes of medieval manuscripts, maps, and religious documents. The Strahov Gallery has significant Rudolfian, Rococo, and Gothic painting collections of Central European origin. The Cabinet of Curiosities and Connecting Passage, and the Convent Building also draw attention.