Plasy Monastery: A Baroque Masterpiece on Water

Plasy Monastery, located north of Pilsen in West Bohemia, is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and engineering. Founded in 1144 by Prince Vladislav II, it holds the distinction of being the oldest monastery in the Czech lands. The monastery's early years saw growth through donations and the industrious efforts of its monks. The monastery faced destruction during the Hussite Wars in 1421, but it began to recover after the Thirty Years' War. A significant rebuilding phase from 1661 to 1785 transformed it into a Baroque masterpiece, with notable contributions from architects like Jean Baptiste Mathey, Jan Blažej Santini Aichel, and Kilian Ignác Dientzenhofer. Santini Aichel's innovative designs included self-supporting staircases and a unique water management system to stabilize the building on marshy ground. The monastery's foundation rests on 5,100 oak piles, constantly submerged in water to prevent decay, a testament to medieval engineering. The warning “Aedificium hoc sine aquis ruet” (this building will fall without water) serves as a message to future generations. After its abolition in 1785 by Emperor Joseph II, the monastery became a private residence of Chancellor Metternich in 1826. He converted the prelature into a chateau and the site became a cultural and industrial center. The complex suffered neglect during the 20th century but has been undergoing restoration since the 1970s and was declared a National Cultural Monument in 1995. Visitors can explore the convent, admire the Baroque frescoes and the Chapel of St. Bernard, and learn about the monastery's history and unique water system. The monastery also has a fascinating history of medical care, including the production of the famed 'Plasy Powder,' a sought-after stomach medicine.