strahov monastery brewery tour

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• Klášterní pivovar Strahov (‘The Strahov Monastic Brewery’)

Not far from Prague Castle, the Strahov Monastery complex houses a brewery of unique atmosphere, which offers its own beer on site, with distinctive ambiance and excellent Czech cuisine. Its history is documented all the way back to around 1400 AD.

• Show on map
• Czech cuisine - traditional
• brew own beer
• outdoor seating

Opening hours

• January – December
• 10.00 – 22.00

Practical information

The brewery was renewed only in 2000, as part of an extensive and involved reconstruction of the entire building. In May 2001, the former carriage-hall became a microbrewery with a capacity of 1000 hl per year. The first batch of beer was brewed in June of the same year, on the feast of St. Norbert, the patron saint of the Premonstratensian monastery.

The present format of the Strahov Monastic Brewery includes three “locals” – a beerhall with its own copper brew-kettles and the two storey St. Norbert restaurant. During the summer months the brewery courtyard garden is open to visitors.

Beers on offer: St. Norbert – amber, dark, IPA, seasonal beers (a favourite being the St. Norbert Three-kings wheat special)

Show practical information

• Strahovské nádvoří 301
• 118 00 Praha 1 – Hradčany
• +420734852382
• Follow us on Facebook
• http://www.klasterni-pivovar.cz
• [email protected]

Object history

The history of the Royal canonicate brewery of the Premonstrates in Strahov is intertwined with the history of the monastery itself, founded in 1140. The first written record dates from the year 1400, when the brewery was rented out for ‘four times threescore groschen, a pound of pepper and one fattened hare per year’. In 1907 the brewery was closed, however, and in 1919 even converted into apartments. In the 1959 to 1963 period, the vaulting in the western part of the building was torn down and part-converted into a large hall, complete with a raised stage.

Show history

Information source: www.klasterni-pivovar.cz

Just a few steps from iconic Prague Castle, the Strahov Monastery Brewery is hidden in a beautiful and historic monastery founded in 1142. Master brewers have been crafting amazing beer here for more than 600 years, and we are proud to continue the tradition.

Since the year 2000, we have been brewing Saint Norbert beer at the monastery, and opening the doors of our brewery restaurant and courtyard pavilion to beer lovers from around the world. We named our beer after the founder of the Premonstratensian Order, who have inhabited the Strahov Monastery since the beginning. 

We brew more than 25 delicious beers at our brewery, using the finest ingredients and brewing methods. And we haven’t forgotten our heritage. 

If you love beer, your trip to Prague won’t be complete without a visit to the Strahov Monastery Brewery and a glass or three of Saint Norbert beer. 

Cheers! Or as we say in Czech, na zdraví!

Prague Brevnov and Strahov Monasteries, Breweries Walking Tour

In 2023, Prague welcomed over 8 million international visitors, drawn to its historical charm and renowned beer culture.

As the calendar flips to 2024, a unique opportunity presents itself in the form of the Prague Břevnov and Strahov Monasteries, Breweries Walking Tour. This excursion promises not just a stroll through time but a chance to witness firsthand the secrets of brewing that have withstood centuries within the walls of these ancient monasteries.

Joining this tour means unlocking a door to a world where tradition meets innovation, where stories are brewed along with beer, creating an unforgettable experience for those seeking to uncover Prague’s hidden gems.

• Dive into Prague’s beer brewing heritage at Břevnov and Strahov Monasteries.
• Immerse in centuries-old Benedictine and Premonstratensian monastery brewing traditions.
• Enjoy panoramic city views from Strahov Monastery while savoring historical insights.
• Experience personalized tours with knowledgeable guides, beer tastings, and small group sizes.

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Tour Overview

Set out on an immersive journey through Prague’s rich beer brewing heritage and historical monasteries on a captivating 4-hour walking tour.

This tour delves into the fascinating intersection of beer history and monastery traditions. Participants will explore the Benedictine monks’ legacy at Břevnov Monastery, dating back to 993 , and witness the modern brewing facilities housed in restored baroque stables.

The experience continues at Strahov Monastery, where beer production began in the early 14th century. Visitors can also marvel at the stunning city views offered by Strahov Monastery.

Discover the ancient beer-making secrets and explore the centuries-old monastery traditions that have shaped Prague’s cultural landscape. This tour promises an enlightening and memorable exploration of Prague’s brewing history intertwined with its religious heritage.

Historical Insights and Monasteries

Explore the historical insights and architectural marvels of Prague’s monasteries on this immersive walking tour, uncovering the intertwined tales of brewing traditions and religious heritage.

Learn about the rich beer history and monastic traditions that have shaped these sacred grounds for centuries.

At Břevnov Monastery, established by Benedictine monks in 993, explore the nearly 1 ,000-year-old Roman crypt and the Church of St. Margaret, while discovering how the monastery’s beer traditions were revived in 2012.

Then, journey to Strahov Monastery, founded in 1143 by the Royal Canonry of Premonstratensians, where beer has been brewed since the early 14th century.

Witness the fusion of spiritual devotion and brewing excellence in these iconic Czech landmarks.

Brewery Visits and Tastings

Visitors on the Prague Monasteries and Breweries Walking Tour are treated to immersive brewery visits and tastings, providing a unique insight into the rich beer brewing traditions of Břevnov and Strahov Monasteries.

• Beer History: Explore the centuries-old brewing techniques passed down through generations.
• Monastery Architecture : Marvel at the stunning architectural designs of Břevnov and Strahov Monasteries, reflecting their cultural significance .
• Brewing Techniques: Learn firsthand about the intricate processes involved in crafting traditional Czech beer.

These brewery visits not only offer a taste of delicious brews but also illuminate the historical and cultural connections between beer production and the revered monastic institutions of Prague.

Meeting Point and Starting Time

Enjoy the Prague Monasteries and Breweries Walking Tour experience by meeting at the Bagel Lounge Malostranska on Letenská Street at 12:00 PM to kick off your exploration of Břevnov and Strahov Monasteries.

Starting in the afternoon allows you to enjoy a leisurely morning in Prague before delving into the rich history and beer brewing traditions of these iconic locations. The Bagel Lounge provides a cozy and convenient meeting point where you can grab a quick bite or beverage before embarking on your tour.

This central location ensures easy access for participants and sets the stage for an exciting journey through the centuries-old monasteries and their fascinating brewery spaces. Get set for an afternoon filled with tales of monks, beer brewing, and stunning views.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

Discover firsthand the unparalleled satisfaction and glowing reviews shared by customers who’ve embarked on the Prague Monasteries and Breweries Walking Tour, offering insights into their memorable experiences and the exceptional service provided.

• Knowledgeable Guides : Customers praise the tour guides for their in-depth historical insights and expertise.
• Unique Experiences : Participants highlight the one-of-a-kind experiences, including visits to ancient monasteries and beer tastings.
• Personalized Tours : The small group sizes create an intimate and customized experience, enhancing overall satisfaction with the tour.

These customer feedback elements showcase the tour’s success in providing engaging and informative tour experiences , ensuring visitors depart with a deep appreciation for Prague’s rich brewing traditions and historical sites.

Booking Details and Price

Embark on the next step of your Prague Monasteries and Breweries Walking Tour by delving into the convenient booking details and pricing information for this enriching experience.

The tour price starts at $175.00, varying based on group size, for a 4-hour exploration of brewery history at Břevnov and Strahov Monasteries. Participants will enjoy beer tastings and learn about the Benedictine monks’ brewing traditions dating back to 993 at Břevnov Monastery.

The tour also includes a visit to the modern brewing space in restored baroque stables. To secure your spot, use the product code 10847P4 for booking through Viator, with assistance available via the Viator Help Center for any inquiries.

Enjoy the rich history of Prague’s breweries by reserving your place today.

Future Opportunities and Tours

For those seeking further exploration beyond Prague, Insight Cities offers a diverse selection of themed tours across Central Europe, providing engaging experiences led by friendly local historians .

Uncover Vienna’s Imperial Splendors: Dive into the rich history of Vienna’s imperial past, exploring grand palaces and opulent gardens.

Discover Berlin’s Vibrant Culture: Enjoy Berlin’s artistic scene, from street art to world-class museums, accompanied by knowledgeable local guides.

Experience Salzburg’s Musical Heritage: Walk in the footsteps of Mozart and learn about Salzburg’s musical legacy through interactive tours and performances.

These tours promise to offer engaging experiences curated by expert local historians , ensuring a memorable and insightful journey through the heart of Central Europe.

Last Words and Recommendations

Concluding the Prague Monasteries and Breweries Walking Tour 2024 provides visitors with a profound understanding of the city’s rich brewing heritage and historical significance. The journey through Břevnov and Strahov Monasteries offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern brewing techniques, immersing participants in a centuries-old craft.

To enhance this experience further, incorporating interactive sessions with local brewers could provide insight into the intricate art of beer making. Plus, expanding the tour to include more interactive elements, such as hands-on brewing demonstrations or tastings of traditional Czech beers, could deepen visitors’ appreciation for the brewing process.

These tour enhancements wouldn’t only educate but also entertain, creating a memorable and immersive experience exploring Prague’s brewing culture.

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Common questions

Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available for the beer tastings on the tour.

For those with dietary preferences, vegetarian pairings and vegan alternatives are available during the beer tastings on the tour. Brewery dietary restrictions are accommodated with inclusive tasting menu options to enhance the overall experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in the Brewery Visits and Tastings?

There is no minimum age requirement for the brewery visits and tastings. However, for dietary options like vegetarian or vegan, it’s recommended to inquire in advance to ensure a delightful experience tailored to individual preferences.

Are There Any Opportunities for Souvenir Shopping or Purchasing Local Beer Products During the Tour?

During the tour, participants can indulge in souvenir shopping at select stops, showcasing local beer products. This allows visitors to take home a piece of Prague’s brewing heritage and savor the memories of their immersive experience.

Can Participants With Mobility Issues or Disabilities Join the Walking Tour Comfortably?

Accessible routes cater to participants with mobility issues. Accommodation options ensure comfort throughout the walking tour. Knowledgeable guides facilitate a seamless experience. Engage with historical insights and beer traditions while exploring the monasteries. Enjoy a memorable and inclusive journey.

Is There a Restroom Available at the Meeting Point Before the Tour Begins?

Yes, there’s a restroom available at the meeting point for the tour. Participants can access these facilities before the adventure begins. This convenient feature ensures everyone can start the tour comfortably and enjoy the experience fully.

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Enjoy Prague’s beer brewing history with the Prague Břevnov and Strahov Monasteries, Breweries Walking Tour 2024. Experience centuries-old traditions, picturesque breweries , and expert insights on this 4-hour cultural exploration.

With rave reviews and personalized tours, this journey promises an unforgettable blend of history, architecture , and of course , beer tasting. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the heart of Prague through its rich brewing heritage.

Book your tour now for an unforgettable experience!

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Guide to Strahov Monastery: Attractions, Admission & Beer Garden

Founded in 1143, Strahov Monastery is still inhabited by about 70 monks from the Premonstratensian Order.

It offers numerous attractions, which is why it is considered one of the most popular sights in Prague.

In this complete guide to Strahov Monastery, you'll learn all about the exhibition, history, and helpful information about directions and tickets.

What Can I Do at Strahov Monastery?

The Strahov Monastery , located near Prague Castle, is particularly famous for its splendidly furnished Baroque library. It is considered to be one of the most valuable and best preserved historical libraries.

The monastery library contains over 200,000 volumes, 3000 original manuscripts from the Middle Ages, artifacts, first prints, manuscripts, and curiosities. It consists mainly of the following three halls.

• Theology Hall: This hall was built between 1671 and 1674 and is the oldest part of Strahov Library. The Baroque hall houses about 18,000 books of mostly theological writings, as well as countless editions of the Bible.
• Philosophical Hall: The Philosophical Hall in the monastery library from 1794 is also worth seeing. The magnificent ceiling frescoes by Anton Maulbertsch and Siard Nosecký are particularly impressive. The classicist hall with ceiling-high walnut bookshelves covers two floors and contains philosophical, legal, medical, pharmaceutical, mathematical, geographical, and astronomical books.
• Cabinet of Curiosities:  The library houses a Cabinet of Curiosities, also known as the Wunderkammer. It presents rarities, archaeological excavations, as well as natural science collections.

Picture Gallery

Additionally, the monastery houses an important painting gallery with one of the most valuable monastery collections in Central Europe. The collections consist of about 1,500 paintings and other exhibits from the Gothic and Romantic periods.

The collections can be divided into the following sections.

• Painting and Sculpture between 1300 - 1500
• Rudolfin Paintings
• Flemish Paintings
• Central European paintings from the 17th to the 19th centuries

The Treasury of Strahov Monastery presents a variety of different liturgical objects in a permanent exhibition. The exhibition includes unique handicrafts of Czech origin, as well as those from different parts of Europe. Visitors can admire, among other things, chalices, reliquaries, and vestments from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century.

Monastery Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The original Romanesque three-nave basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary from 1148 is located in the center of the monastery. The Roman Catholic church acquired its present appearance, in the Baroque style, during reconstruction between the years 1742 to 1758.

Magnificent wall paintings and ceiling frescoes decorate the interior of the church. The founders of the monastery, Prince Vladislav II and Bishop Jindřich Zdík, were buried in an unknown place in the church.

In 1787, no less than Mozart is said to have played the organ in the monastery church.

St. Rochus Church

The second church in the area of the monastery is the Church of St. Roch. Visitors can find it in the forecourt of the monastery. The church, dedicated to St. Roch, the saint of the plague, was donated by Emperor Rudolf II in 1603 in gratitude for being spared from the plague. Since the 20th century, the former parish church has served as an exhibition hall.

Beer in the Monastery

Strahov Monastery is also home to a famous monastery brewery. The brewery has been brewing beer since the 13th century.

St. Norbert beer, named after the founder of the Premonstratensian Order, is produced here in various variations in this family business. There are also seasonal beer offerings, including a bock beer with a 6.3% alcohol content, which is served from the end of September, and the Easter beer with a 5.3% alcohol content, which is available on the Friday before Good Friday.

According to surveys, this monastery brewery produces the best beer in the whole Czech Republic. More about the best beer in Prague you can find in our list:  Where can I drink good beer in Prague?

Beer Garden and Restaurant

The beer garden in the monastery attracts both locals and tourists from all over the world. It is the ideal place to taste famous Czech beer . The popular beer garden in the monastery is especially attractive when the weather is nice.

Equally popular is the restaurant in the monastery brewery, which is one of the top restaurants in Prague with Czech cuisine .

Admission, Tickets, and Guided Tours

• Admission: The library of the monastery and the picture gallery have separate entrances and tickets.
• Strahov Library + Picture Gallery  Ticket  : The monastery offers a combined ticket that gives access to both the Picture Gallery and the Strahov Monastery Library. A family ticket (2 adults, 3 children under 15) is also available.
• One-way Ticket for the Strahov Library: For visitors who only want to explore the Strahov Library, the one-way ticket for the library is recommended. The current prices are available here .
• One-way Ticket the Strahov Picture Gallery: For visitors who, on the other hand, only want to visit the Picture Gallery, the one-way ticket for the Strahov Picture Gallery is an option. An overview of the current admission prices can be found here .
• Photo Permission: A photo permit is required to take photos in the library and gallery. Information about this can be found on the monastery's  website .
• Guided Tours: During a guided tour, visitors can experience deep insights into the library and the gallery i the Strahov Monastery.

How to Get to Strahov Monastery?

Strahov Monastery is located in the Hradčany district in Prague. It is located the Petrin Hill near the Prague Castle.

The best way to reach it from the city center is by streetcar line 22 to the Pohořelec station.

History of Strahov Monastery

Strahov Monastery was built in 1140 on Petrin Hill. The foundation of the Premonstratensian monastery took place through the cooperation of Olomouc Bishop, Henry Zdík, and Bohemian King, Vladislav II.

In 1142, a group of members of the Premonstratensian Order settled in the building and further expanded the area.

Over the centuries, the monastery withstood several battles, fires, and revolutions. The most devastating fire happened early in the history of the monastery, in 1258. A large part of the monastery, including the library as well as a church, fell victim to the fire.

Several repair and reconstruction works took place over the years. The monastery got its present appearance in the Baroque style during reconstruction in the 17th century. The magnificent baroque library dates from the time.

An absolute standstill came in 1950 with the communist occupation. For the first time since its foundation, the monks had to leave the monastery. Many were expelled or arrested, and the monastery itself was closed.

Only with the collapse of the communist regime in 1989, could the monks return to the monastery.

Even today the monastery is the seat of the Premonstratensian Order.

• Addresse:  Strahov Kloster, Strahovské nádvoří 1/132, 118 00
• Opening Hours: The current opening hours can be found on the website of the monastery.
• Public Transport: By streetcar line 22 to the Pohořelec stop
• Website:  Strahovskyklaster.cz

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Ultimate Guide to the Secrets inside the stunning Strahov Monastery Library, Prague

As someone who is slowly making her way through a bucket list of visiting ‘ The Greatest Libraries in the World ‘, getting to explore the  Strahov Monastery  in  Prague  and their illustrious shelves of parchment treasures, was a dream come true.

Medieval Monastery

Intellectual progress of mankind.

The Strahov Monastery  was first established in 1140. Throughout the years it was destroyed and rebuilt, time after time, war after war. Many of their precious books were stolen, and despite this, every time they rebuilt it, they sought to rebuild their libraries, even grander. Creating a space of importance and preservation for the tombs within. Today, the Monastery and the library stand as a jewel of the Baroque era. Even from afar their bright red-tiled roofs and copper spires, aged to a brilliant teal colour, contrast the grey skies.

To get to the library, walk across the Charles Bridge to board the #22 Tram and ride it to the stop ‘Pohořelec’. From this stop it’s only a 5 minute walk downhill to get to the library. Alternatively, take in the monastery as a part of my Petrin Hill Self-Guided Walking Tour !

As you ascend the hill towards the main building, you first pass another piece of the Monastery’s history; its  brewery . This brewery was established in the 1600’s, and the monks would work and produce beer to create income their order. Even today you can visit the brewery and drink a glass sitting in their scenic beer garden. We made sure to make a pit stop here before heading to the library. Like all beer in Prague, it is cheap and delicious! And the view is unbeatable, look out over the valley and across to Prague Castle.

The entry price for visiting the Library and Pictures gallery is  CZK 120,  and there is a small photo fee if you want to take pictures. While some people complain about this cost, I love this feature. Some places don’t let you take pictures at all, but here, by charging a small fee, it can control the cameras in the museum and helps bring in a little more money to ensure proper preservation the delicate pages inside against those harsh flashes that people inevitably use. The library is open daily from 9am to 5pm (with a one hour lunch break from 12pm-1pm when it is closed). Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

The library has three parts which visitors can explore.  The Grand Philosophical Hall,   The Baroque Theological Hall  and  the Cabinets of Curiosities. After paying admission to a surely looking Czech woman inside an ancient wooden toll booth, you are allowed to head the old stone staricase towards the library.

Viewing Gallery

The first room you enter inside the Monastery is the Viewing Gallery. This room contains dozens of timeworn books, preserved in glass cases. The most important, beautiful and rare book of the collection, as well as one of the oldest, is the Strahov codex. The codex was rebound with red velvet in around 1180 and decorated with four enamel Romanesque carvings and six large red and white crystals. A sculpture of  Christ on the Cross,   Our Lady  and  St John , along with four silver Renaissance medallions of the evangelists were also added to create one of the most stunning book covers I’ve ever seen.

Behind the glass in the other cabinets, you can see the masterful art works within the pages of this book. This codex older than the Czech state itself, dating from 860-865. There are between 980 and 985 full page drawings of the evangelists. The illustrations contained within were painted by some of the great masters of book illustrations in the Ottoman empire.

In medieval times, before the printing press, the only way of getting text into books was to write it by hand. This was mostly done by Monks of the order. Since these Bibles and Holy tombs were handmade, they were extremely expensive. But they were most than just words; they were works of art. So much time, care and artistry were put into each unique treasure. The monks were incredibly talented, and each of the tiny painted scenes hidden on each piece of parchment brought the story alive to the readers. In addition to the codex, there are various other illustrated books from the medieval period depicting subjects like religion, mythology and even geography inside the glass cases in the entry.

The Grand Philosophical Hall

The Grand Philosophical Hall  is the jewel of the monastery. Looking from floor to ceiling at this ornately designed library will literally take your breath away. It contains over 42,000 ancient philosophical texts, sprawling along the room like a wave of knowledge. The room was designed in 1794 by  Jan Ignác Palliardi , an Italian architect living in Bohemia. He used elements of the previous, smaller library, when creating his final vision. This preserved the beautiful old walnut interior for the previous library.

The sheer size of this library is what first hits you. It is 32 meters long, 22 meters wide, with a ceiling height of 14 meters. Your eyes are not doubted drawn right up to the bright and action packed frescos above. These were done by the Viennese painter  Anton Maulbertsch , who spent over six months working with only one other artist to complete the stunning scene.

The painting depicts the ‘Intellectual Progress of Mankind’ and shows developments in science and religion, and their mutual impact on each other. It also represents man’s quest for knowledge and his drive to learn the secrets of the universe. We can see Noah building the ark, Cain and Abel as well as the evolution of Greek civilization. There are philosophers standing guard; Socrates and Diogenes as well as leaders like Alexander the Great. There are two levels to the library. The main level with rolling staircase to access the books at the very top of the shelves, and a gallery only accessible from a hidden spiral staircase. The staircase looks like the spines of books but is, in fact, simply painted onto the wooden door.

Cabinets of Curiosities

Between the Philosophers hall and the theological hall, you’ll come across various  cabinets of curiosities . This particular collection was from the estate of  Karel Jan Erben , brought to the monastery in 1798. These cabinets are tiny museums. Wealthy collectors had the ability to buy different items that interested or amused them and assemble it all together in these gilded cabinets. They would then invite friends over to admire their collection and tell stories about the various pieces within. To these people, it was the height of entertainment.

In the Renaissance when these cabinets first began to pop-up, the most popular items in the collections were mysterious or remarkable objects. Then, obsession moved onto natural sciences, like collections of sea fauna. There were insect collections, mineral samples, and wax replicas of fruit. One of rarest things in the collection is the prepared remains of, the now extinct, Dodo bird. There are weapons and armour from Bohemia as well as ceramics, sculptures and more. One of my favourite cabinets contains a ‘dendrology’ library. 68 volumes prepared by  Karel of Hinterlagen  from around 1825 full of different types of wood! Seems pretty dull but I love when people have something, even something mundane, that they are obsessed with.

The Theological Hall

The Theological Hall  is down the long hallway from the Philosopher’s Hall. This gallery contains over 18,000 religious texts. Many of the books included are rare volumes seen only by the monks and approved scholars. The room is named ‘Theological Hall’ after the fact that it contains nothing but different editions of the Bible or parts of the Bible in all different languages. The Theological Hall was built in 1671 by architect  Giovanni Domennico Orsi , a Prague burgher of Italian origin. The Italian influence can be seen throughout the design of the library, especially in all the stucco touches above the shelves.

The bookshelves are gilded wood with carved decoration. The use of red throughout related to the ‘sacred’ as these books were considered some of the most sacred things in their time. Although we look at the use of upright shelves in the library as the norm now, Baroque designers were the first ones to use the upright shelf design compared to the Gothic desk system or Romanesque treasury system.

Murals in the Theological Hall

Above the shelves of the Theological Hall are gilded wooded-carved decorations inside wooden cartouches. These functioned as a sort of early card cataloguing system. The pictures in the wooden cartouches specified the type of literature stored on the shelves below. Above all the shelves is magnificently painted fresco. The mural portrays the ethos of the library that a person with great faith must also build on his knowledge and provide education for those who need it, sharing his learned knowledge with the world. There is a piece of script carved into the iron gates on the other side of the library which states  INITIUM SAPIENTIAE TIMOR DOMINI  (the beginning of wisdom is fear of God.) Along the centre of the room are a series of 17th-century geographical and astronomical globes.

St John the Evangelist

One of the most important objects in the room is the late-Gothic wooden statue of  St John the Evangelist.  In his left hand, he holds a real ‘girdle-book’. These girdles were used as carrying cases for the treasured objects, in this case, books, as people travelled from city to city, reading to the common folk. The beautifully stitched and sewn carving of the girdle depicts the care that was taken in the protection of books in the medieval area. So much time and effort was taken into creating them; you had to be so careful when taking them out of the libraries arms.

The Strahov Monastery Library is one of those places that is often overlooked by the majority of travellers who come to Prague, so even if you’re not a bibliophile, this is a perfect place to soak in some beautiful architecture, gorgeous art and escape the crowds. If only for a moment.

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Prague: City Highlights Guided Electric Trike Tour

Grand city tour on Scrooser in Prague

Prague: Complete Bike Tour

Prague Small-Group Segway Tour with Free Taxi Pick Up & Drop Off

Prague: E-Bike/E-Scooter Viewpoint Tour

Trip to Czech Horseshoe Bend

Prague Castle area tour on Segway

Munich Salzburg Vienna 3 Day Tour From Prague & Private Transfers

2 day Vienna Luxury Tour with Budapest Visit From Prague

Shows & concerts.

Folklore Show & Dinner with Unlimited drinks

Prague: Classical Concert in the Spanish Synagogue

Prague: WOW Show Black Light Theater

Mozart Concert and Dinner in Prague

Prague: 3-Hour Beer Tour and Traditional Czech Dinner

Midday Concert at Lobkowicz Palace

Prague: Pub Crawl and International Party

Prague: Medieval Dinner with Transfers

Classes & workshops.

Enjoy a Czech Cooking Class in a 400-Year-Old Building & Dinner

A Private Prague Castle & Interior Tour

Prague: Indoor Skydiving Wind Tunnel Adventure

Traditional Authentic Czech Dishes Following Grandma Recipes

From Prague: Private Day Trip to Pilsner Urquell Brewery

Prague: Skoda Car Museum Private Tour

From Prague: Bohemian Glass Crystal Private Tour with Lunch

Prague Gin Tasting

Best Shooting Range Prague Old Town with Private Transfers

Prague: Private Street Art Workshop For School Groups

Popular places to visit, strahov monastery.

Find out about the history of Prague when you take a trip to Strahov Monastery. Make time for the stunning cathedral and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Prague Loreto

Once home to monks and a traditional pilgrimage site, this ornate religious complex that houses thousands of diamonds is a charming destination.

You can learn about the history of Prague when you stop by Novy Svet. Make time for the temples and local tours in this romantic area.

Petrin Lookout Tower

Perched on a hilltop above Malá Strana, this observation tower offers breathtaking views over Prague, the Vltava River and the surrounding landscapes of Bohemia.

Nerudova Street

Find out about the history of Prague when you spend time at Nerudova Street. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this romantic area.

Hradcany Square

You can find out about the history of Prague when you stop by Hradcany Square. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this romantic area.

Best Lodging Options Near Strahov Monastery Brewery

Check availability on hotels close to strahov monastery brewery.

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• Old Town Square
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• Hotel Leon D´Oro
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Strahov Monastery Brewery: Draft Beer for Connoisseurs

Strahov Monastery Brewery, Klasterni Pivovar, is located right next to Strahov Monastery and close to Prague Castle. The monks are gone, but the beer from this microbrewery still tastes perfect. The Strahov Pivnice (beer garden) is the best place to drink unfiltered St. Norbert beer, amber or dark coloured and slightly bitter in taste.

In summer, you will sit side by side with locals and tourists in the courtyard of the Strahov Brewery while enjoying a big mug of beer brewed in the microbrewery. Come back in the evening for a traditional Czech meal consisting of brewery goulash with onion and dumplings or minced pork marinated in beer and served with mustard and horseradish sauce. End your meal with Sumavska kava, coffee with an alcohol surprise.

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Going Behind the Scenes at the Beautiful Strahov Monastery Library in Prague

Prague Castle sits majestically on top of a hill, overlooking the orange tile roofs of the city. Behind the castle complex is the Strahov Monastery, an abbey founded in 1143. For centuries, its been a place of worship and refuge, as well as home to a stunningly beautiful library and a brewery with some of the best beer in all of Europe.

We’ve written about the monastery and its cabinet of curiosities in a previous post. Recently, we treated ourselves to a private tour of the Strahov Monastery Library and the Břevnov Monastery with Insight Cities .

On a sunny, cool afternoon, we got deep into history, frescoes, beer, Bohemian lore, and more with Vadim, our guide on Beer & Baroque: A Highbrow Brew Tour . Our four-hour excursion included a behind-the-scenes look at Strahov library, followed by beer in the restored 17th-century brewery pub, as well as a private tour of the Baroque church at Břevnov with a chaser of the beer brewed at the Benedictine monastery.

The Strahov Monastery Library is open to the public, but the public tour doesn’t allow visitors to go inside the library halls. The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, antique globes, statues, and ceiling frescoes are only visible from behind a velvet rope strung across the doorways. It’s an exhilarating feeling to peek inside those rooms, but it also creates an almost unbearable urge to go inside .

The guides from Insight Cities know the secret passwords to take their visitors places other mere mortals don’t get to go. And all of the guides hold Masters- and PhD-level degrees in history, architecture, literature, and more. They’re experts on the subject matter and are super-friendly, personable, and fun. It’s like visiting these places with a new friend who also happens to be ridiculously well informed.

( Full disclosure: We paid for our tour, and this post is not sponsored; we’re sharing it because it was a thoroughly magical experience, and we wanted you to see these beautiful pics.)

We met Vadim, our guide, at a tram station in Mala Strana, at the bottom of the hill below the castle, then took the very scenic ride up to the top. After a short stroll around the castle complex, we made our way to the Strahov Library.

The Library is made up of three parts: The Theological Hall, the Philosophical Hall, and the Cabinet of Curiosities. ( More on the Cabinet here. )

Walking through the broad doorway into the Theological Hall was a singular thrill. The sense of history, tradition, and respect for learning and knowledge is palpable.

When it was time to move on to the Philosophical Hall, we walked to the rear of the Theological Hall and turned right into a ‘secret’ passage that’s not visible to the public. It, too, is lined with books and portraits of important people from long ago.

Then we emerged into the glowing, airy, thoroughly magical expanse of the Philosophical Hall. We all gasped and giggled and then very silent for a while, taking it all in.

The people in the doorway of the photo above are on the general tour.

We spent so much of the day in this position:

Next, we took another short tram ride to the Břevnov Monastery, a Benedictine abbey founded in 993 — although most of what you see on a visit now is from the 18th century. Our guide to the frescoes and history of the beautiful Baroque church was an actual, working, modern-day monk who spoke with Vadim in Russian and to us in English. The walls are decorated with trompe l’oeil murals, as is the vaulted ceiling. And at the back, a lovely, ornate pipe organ.

Our time at Břevnov concluded with a visit to the preserved ruins of the original church, which are tucked under the current church and accessed by hidden stairs underneath the pulpit.

Insight Cities

In addition to the tour we tried, Insight Cities also offers a dozen other wonderful experiences in Prague, including Art Nouveau and Cubist Architecture, the Cold War Years, Culinary Prague, and more. They also have outposts in Vienna, Budapest, Berlin, and Salzburg.

Given the current pandemic situation, Insight Cities is also providing online virtual tours that take you to notable landmarks of Prague via live-streaming video. One could, if one was so inclined, enjoy a private tour of the Strahov Monastery Library from one’s own living room in PJs. Just sayin’.

Visit the Insight Cities website to learn more and to schedule in-person or virtual tours.

Top image courtesy of David Humphreys.

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Ssop podcast episode 15 — the library: endless books, reading nooks, and lots of possibility, 13 books we love set in the library because libraries are the best, reading is even sweeter with salted caramels inspired by 'the giant's house', 45 awesome instagram accounts for people who love libraries and librarians, the elegant, playful, environmentally friendly vac library in hanoi, vietnam, this is what you need to know about mary kingsbury, the first school librarian, the splendor of the morgan library in new york city, why you should visit the infinite spire of books at the prague city library, prague's stunning strahov monastery library and cabinet of curiosities, everything you need to know about the royal portuguese cabinet of reading, visiting the codex gigas (devil's bible) at the national library of sweden, secret rooms and gilded gewgaws: a brief tour of 8 majestic libraries, how the alaska state library & museum in juneau preserves & celebrates alaskan culture, 7 beautiful, must-visit historical libraries in pennsylvania, sharing is caring.

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