BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION

PRAGUE (STRAHOV)

CZECH REPUBLIC

The oldest Premonstratensien abbey in the Czech Republic, sometimes called the Mount Zion of Prague, is situated a little above the Prague Castle with beautiful views, rich cultural and religious heritage. It has been a living spiritual center since 1143 until these days. St Norbert of Xanten is burried here.

"I saw the Lamb above the mount of Zion.”

- Latin inscription above the western portal of the basilica

I've paid many visits over the years and spent a week in the hotel within the monastery premises with my colleagues and later on with my family. This is a luxury spot in the very heart of Prague with incomparable views and a wealth of important cultural institutions as well as tourist attractions. Lots of the current monks come from Jihlava, a city near mine, and my friends knew many of them, including their abbot. I didn't and always felt a bit distant. But I understand that liturgy and choir prayers form the core of their lives.

LINKS

Monastery website (Czech): https://www.strahovskyklaster.cz/

Monastery website (English): https://www.strahovskyklaster.cz/en/

Wikipedia - basilica (Czech): https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bazilika_Nanebevzet%C3%AD_Panny_Marie_(Strahov)

Wikipedia - basilica (English): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_the_Assumption_(Prague)

Wikipedia - abbey (Czech): https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strahovsk%C3%BD_kl%C3%A1%C5%A1ter

Wikipedia - abbey (English): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strahov_Monastery

VISITS

June 2, 2021

Video from the official channel of the Premonstratensian order in the Czech Republic: