Břevnov Monastery
Religious Site Historic Benedictine monastery and Baroque complex in Prague
Just northwest of central Prague, Břevnov Monastery is a historic Benedictine foundation with Baroque church architecture, monastery grounds and a monastic brewery that attract history-minded visitors.
Břevnov Monastery is a Benedictine monastery in Prague founded in 993 and recognized as the oldest Benedictine house in Bohemia. It has served as a long-standing religious and cultural institution in the region.
Established in 993 by Saint Adalbert and Prince Boleslaus II as a Benedictine foundation, the monastery played an important role in early medieval Christianization and culture in Bohemia. Following centuries of activity, it underwent major Baroque-era rebuilding and has continued as a monastic community with periodic restorations.
The monastery sits in the Břevnov district of Prague, to the northwest of the historic city center, set on gently rising ground within an urban setting.
- Founding date: Founded in 993, it is the oldest Benedictine monastery in Bohemia and has been an active religious and cultural center for over a millennium.
What to See #
- Monastic complex and church: The Benedictine monastery complex includes a church and cloisters extensively rebuilt in Baroque style, with contributions from notable Bohemian architects during 17th and 18th century renovations.
How to Get to Břevnov Monastery #
From central Prague take tram 8 or tram 20 toward Břevnov or Vozovna Střešovice and alight at the stop nearest the monastery; it is a short walk uphill from the tram stops in Prague 6. Taxis and rideshares from the city center take about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
Tips for Visiting Břevnov Monastery #
- Visit the monastery in the morning when the church bells and Gregorian echoes feel less like soundtrack and more like a lived ritual.
- Ignore the souvenir stalls and seek out the brewery on the monastery grounds - Břevnovský klášterní pivovar revived monastic brewing in recent decades and pours a bright unfiltered lager.
- Bring modest dress if intending to enter church spaces; some chapels still function for local services.
Best Time to Visit Břevnov Monastery #
Best visited in spring or autumn for mild weather, smaller crowds, and the chance to catch liturgical life or brewery activity without the summer crush.
Weather & Climate near Břevnov Monastery #
Břevnov Monastery's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 23°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. The driest month with just 20 mm and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
.jpg?width=600)
