Emmaus Monastery: A Slavic Benedictine Abbey in Prague

The Emmaus Monastery, also known as Emauzy or Na Slovanech, is a captivating blend of history, art, and resilience located in Prague's Nové Město (New Town). Established in 1347 by Charles IV, it was the only Slavic Benedictine abbey in Bohemia and served as a significant center for Slavic learning and art. Charles IV wanted to promote Slavic language and culture in his kingdom and insisted that the Prague bishop blessed the new monastery rather than the Vatican Catholic Bishop. The monastery's architecture is a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles, with modern elements. The iconic twin steeples, added in the 1960s, replaced the original towers destroyed during a WWII bombing raid. The Gothic cloisters are adorned with a cycle of 14th-century frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, offering a glimpse into the monastery's rich artistic heritage. Throughout its history, Emmaus Monastery has faced numerous challenges. During World War II, the Gestapo seized the monastery, and the monks were sent to concentration camps. A U.S. bombing raid in 1945 caused extensive damage, leading to the monastery's closure. After years of closure during the communist era, it was restored to the Benedictine order in 1990. Today, visitors can explore the church, cloisters, and peaceful courtyard garden, experiencing a sense of tranquility away from the city's bustle.