Most of the attractions at Strahovsky klaster were closed by the time I got here. I had to content myself with wondering around the monastery grounds and taking a panoramic picture in the fading light. The church was still open and I was permitted by the monks to take a picture inside.

Strahovsky klaster - Prague visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Strahovsky klaster' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Hlavní město Praha.

Panoramic picture taken inside the Strahov Monastery. (Strahovsky klášter). Strahovsky klaster is on the western edge of Hradčany and about a 15 minute walk from Prague Castle. The monastery was founded by the Premonstratensian order in 1140, and was one of the few monasteries to be left alone during the dissolution of monasteries by Joseph II in 1783. Several building at the monastery have been given over to other uses. The small church dedicated to sv Roch, protector from plagues, is now an art gallery.

There are two ornate libraries in the monastery. The larger of the two is the Philosophical Hall (Filosofický sál) which was built in the 1780's to accommodate the library of another Premonstratensian monastery not so fortunate. In one hall is a glass cabinet that contains numerous animals and sea creatures, and even dried whale penises among the narwhal horns. The other is the Theological Hall (Teologický sál), and outside this hall is the 'Stahov Gospel', a 9C gem studded book.

The monastery is still functioning with monks in residence, and also has a active church, 12C Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady (Nanebazvetí Panny Marie) Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady (Nanebazvetí Panny Marie). The newest addition to the area is the Museum of Minitures (Muzeum miniatur), which is open daily.

Strahovske nadvori 1 / 132,
Prague 118 00,
Czech Republic

Travel and Getting There:
Metro: Malostanská (line A)
Tram : Malostanská (12, 18, 20, 22, 23, 57), Pražský hrad hrad stop on Márinské hradby (22, 23)