Břevnov Monastery
Situated between the White Mountain (Bílá Hora) and Prague Castle, the Břevnov Monastery is the oldest male monastery in the Czech Republic. In 993, it was founded by Saint Adalbert, the second Bishop of Prague, and Duke Boleslaus II of Bohemia, of the Přemyslid dynasty – the first Czech ruling dynasty. The first Benedictine monks came to the monastery from Niederaltaich Abbey in Germany. Today, there are still tens of Benedictine monks living in the monastery. The current appearance of the Břevnov Monastery dates back to the High Baroque, as it was destroyed during religious wars at the beginning of the 15th century and restored three centuries later. In 1993, it was elevated to the rank of an Archabbey by John Paul II. Visitors can see the Baroque Basilica of St Margaret, the 11th-century Romanesque crypt and the Baroque prelature with the Theresian Hall.
Useful information for visitors
Public transport connections
Opening hours and admission
For up-to-date information about the admission and opening hours of the Břevnov Monastery, visit the official website. The monastery garden is freely open to the public.
Interesting facts about Břevnov Monastery
The monastery was named after a legend according to which both founders met at a place where a beam (“břevno” in Czech) was lying in a natural spring. Adalbert took it out of the water and decided to found a monastery in memory of their meeting. Besides the Břevnov Monastery, there is also the oldest Czech brewery – St Adalbert Břevnov Monastic Brewery. The Břevnovský Benedict beer is brewed here and it is also produced in South Korea under the brand Praha 993. Visitors can stay at Hotel Adalbert and visit Klášterní šenk, a traditional Czech restaurant with an open fireplace.
The groin vault above the Brusnice stream is the only remnant of the original Gothic monastery. The Baroque Vojtěška Pavilion stands right next to it. In the monastery garden, visitors can see the remains of greenhouses, terraces and water supply adits that used to bring water to the monastery. Adjacent to the Basilica of St Margaret is a cemetery where famous Czech singer-songwriter Karel Kryl is buried.
The Břevnov Monastery also manages the Church of St Margaret in the Břevnov district of Prague and the Church of Our Lady Victorious in the nearby White Mountain district.