Strahov Monastery

Strahov Monastery sits on the hill above Prague Castle, at the top of Petřín, and its white towers are visible from much of the city. It was founded in 1143 and is the oldest Premonstratensian monastery in Bohemia, and the order still lives and works here. The complex includes the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, courtyards, gardens and a picture gallery, but most people come for the library, whose two historic halls are among the most photographed interiors in Prague.

The Theological Hall was completed in 1679 in the Baroque style, with stucco and painted ceiling panels above shelves of old volumes and a collection of globes. The Philosophical Hall dates from the late 18th century, when the abbot built a new Classical library, and its high walnut shelves rise to a ceiling fresco by Anton Maulbertsch. The library also displays medieval manuscripts, maps and curiosities in its corridors. On a standard visit you view the halls from the doorways, because the number of people inside is limited to protect the books from humidity, but special guided tours take small groups into the halls themselves.

The Strahov Gallery holds Gothic, Rudolfine, Baroque and Rococo paintings, including the Strahov Madonna, and can be combined with the library. The basilica is worth a look for its Baroque interior and organ, and the monastery runs a concert season through the year. Below the monastery, the Strahov gardens and the orchards on Petřín give one of the best views across the castle and the rooftops of the Lesser Town, and there is a monastery restaurant on site.

The library and gallery are open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, and online tickets are available. Allow around an hour for the library and gallery, longer if you want to walk in the gardens. The monastery suits anyone interested in books and architecture, and it is easy to combine with Prague Castle: walk down from Strahov past the Loreto and Hradčany Square to the castle gates, all downhill.

The nearest tram stop is Pohořelec, served by tram 22, a few minutes' walk from the entrance. You can also walk up through the Petřín orchards from the Lesser Town, or across from Petřín Lookout Tower.