Emmaus Monastery: A Slavic Benedictine Abbey in Prague
Discover Prague's Emmaus Monastery: A historic Benedictine abbey with stunning Gothic art and a peaceful atmosphere. A unique cultural experience.
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.
Local tips
- Check the official website for current opening hours, as they vary depending on the season.
- Visit during the week to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Take your time to explore the Gothic cloisters and admire the well-preserved frescoes.
- The monastery is closed on Sundays.
A brief summary to Emmaus Monastery
- Vyšehradská 49/320, New Town, 128 00, CZ
- +420224917662
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Karlovo náměstí metro station (Line B), take the 'Palackého náměstí' exit and walk for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, take tram lines 2, 3, 7, 10, 14, 16, 17, 18, 21, 24 to the Karlovo náměstí (na Moráni) or Palackého náměstí tram stop, followed by a 10-minute walk. A 30-minute public transport ticket costs 32 CZK.
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Walking
From the National Theatre, walk southeast on Národní street, turn left onto Smetanovo nábřeží, and continue to Vyšehradská street. Turn right, and the monastery will be on your right. The walk is approximately 45 minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Prague. A short taxi ride from the city center to Emmaus Monastery typically costs between 60 CZK and 150 CZK, depending on traffic and the specific route. Uber from the airport to the city center is around 300 CZK. Always check the fare in advance.
