Strahov Monastery

Good news: It was marginally warmer today; 33 instead of 28. Bad news: it rained all morning. Not a downpour. Just a drizzle, but enough to get wet. So, I decided to pull out my folding cane because now the treacherous, uneven cobblestones were also wet and slippery. The cane wouldn’t keep me from falling if I rolled my ankle, but I thought it might keep me a little steadier. It did… no stumbles!!

First thing this morning I walked to the Old Town Square to pick up the hop on hop off bus. About 15 minutes later I was at the Strahov Monastery which is an abbey founded in 1143. The order was founded by Norbert of Xanten who later became Archbishop. He was made a saint in 1582 and his statue is one of the many on the piazza colonnade of St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

Strahov Monastery.

The tour started in the Library, which was smaller than the one in Vienna, but still very beautiful.

This entrance makes the building look deceptively small. Once inside and up two flights of stairs, it goes on forever.
Strahov Library. The only access to the library itself was with a guided tour so I only got a look from the doorway.
The other side of the library. The ceiling is magnificent.

The hallway in front of the library had some cool stuff.

Another very old globe.
These books are from the late 1800s.
This is from 1506 and is the earliest Czech print on the discovery of America. Pretty cool.

Then it was off to the Strahov Art Gallery which had some really old stuff as well.

This Madonna and Child is from the early 14th century. Except for the infant missing his arm, it’s in amazing shape.
Saint Barbara and Saint Mary Magdalene from the 1470s.
Crucified Christ from Jihlava; Done in northern Italy from the early 14th century.

The Abbey is still used by the Norbertine Brothers who live life according to the rule of St. Augustine as shown by their founder, St. Norbert. The building was a square surrounding a courtyard.

Looking to the front of the abbey.
St. Francis of Assisi.
Contains the relics of St. Norbert.
Didn’t see a sign for this but thought it was pretty.
Dining Room
Don’t remember what this is but it could have been a small chapel.

The last place to see was the Monastery Basilica but just like the library, I only saw it from outside a giant grate.

Main Altar

I headed out of the monastery back to the hop on hop off bus. As I got to the street the bus was there. I waved my arms (including the cane), the driver looked right at me and DROVE AWAY! I was not happy, especially when the schedule said the bus was in 30 minutes. So, it was back in a cab to the pier where I caught a 45-minute ride down the River Vltava.

We were about 10 minutes from the dock when a miracle occurred… the sun came out!! Not all the way out but enough so there was a glimmer of yellow in the sky.

I was going to put on my sunglasses just so I could say I did, but before I got them out of my bag, the sun was gone again.
The Charles Bridge from the river. This is looking towards the Lesser Town quarter. The dome in the background is St. Nicholas Church Lesser Town.
It looks sunnier than it actually was.
Not sure I’d want to ride in this tiny boat.
This was our boat. The blue sky didn’t last another 20 minutes.

After the cruise I hopped back on the bus for one stop and walked towards home from the Old Town Square. I stopped at the Irish Pub again for lunch.

It is such a cute place and very busy. It was either sit at the bar or climb to the 2nd floor. I sat at the bar.

Today there was entertainment. This is a short video as this was all I could get without a server walking in front of me.

I went full-on American with my cheeseburger and fries. It was delicious.

With a bit of Stella Artois.

That was my day…. only 5600 steps. I was going to go back out this evening to check out the Wenceslaus Square Christmas market but decided against it. The square is a 20-minute walk from the hotel in the opposite direction I usually walk, so it’s unfamiliar territory. I was at the main market 3 times and didn’t think there’d be that much different at this one so, I decided to rest at home.

Today pretty much ends my sightseeing. I fly to Brussels in the morning (Wednesday), then head to Bruges, Antwerp and Amsterdam. I’ve been to all of them at least twice (4 times each Brussels and Amsterdam) so I’ve seen all the sights I’m interested in seeing. I’m going just for the Christmas Markets. I hear Brussels and Bruges are two of the best in Europe, so I’m excited to check them out. Since tomorrow is a travel day, don’t be surprised or worried if you don’t hear from me. I may take it as a blog-free day.

Have a great night everyone.

2 thoughts on “Strahov Monastery”

  1. That ceiling in the library is gorgeous. I can’t imagine how the artist’s necks and arms can withstand being in the position for so long! Glad you had such a great day and don’t worry……………the sun will definitely be shining when you return to the Ranch!

    1. I think I remember seeing something about Michaelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel. To paint the ceiling they built scaffolding close to the ceiling and laid down to paint. It’s been many years, though, so I may have just made that up.

      The weather for the rest of my trip is actually worse…. rain, rain and more rain. Luckily, though, I’m not planning on much sightseeing, just visiting markets. The warm, sunshine will feel great. I’m looking forward to putting the winter coat, gloves, hat and scarf away!

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