Founded in 1140, Strahov Monastery was originally established for Premonstratensians, but has been a working institution since 1143. Despite its destruction by fire in 1258, Strahov remains as one of the oldest monasteries in the world.

Overlooking Mala Strana from Petrin Hill, Strahov Monastery boasts its noticeable combinative Gothic and Baroque styles (as a restorative result of the thirteenth-century fire). This monastery includes three primary attractions: the Basilica of Our Lady, a great picture gallery, and an eight hundred-year-old library. Basilica of Our Lady goes back to at least the eighteenth century. Mozart himself graced the monastery’s organ in 1787. The picture gallery, established in 1836, holds one of the truly impressive private collections in all of Central Europe. Finally, despite having been ransacked by several invading armies over the centuries, the library-the most famous part of the monastery-still contains a staggering sixteen thousand plus books. This library, which is located in the monastery’s theological and philosophical halls, is unique in that it was set up in 1143, making it one of the oldest libraries in Czechoslovakia.

Strahov Monastery is conveniently located, as it lies within a forty five-minute walk from Old Town Hall. For those who either cannot or prefer not to walk, transportation is available through Trans Stop Pohorelec. The monastery is open every day except 25 December and Easter Sunday. This is a great site for book lovers, art and architecture enthusiasts, and history buffs alike!