Because monks spend their time in contemplation and study, monasteries can have richly ornamented libraries. The Strahov Monastery Library in Prague, Czechia, is one of the most impressive. It’s located a bit to the west of the castle and cathedral in the Hradčany district. When we visited in March of 2022, I’d arranged a private tour so we could move through the libraries rather than just standing in the doorway.
The library has two main sections: the Theological Hall and the Philosophical Hall.
The Theological Hall
Built in 1671–1674, the older Theological Hall was built to the design and under the direction of Giovanni Domenico Orsi, an a Baroque Italian architect and builder. He designed a number of buildings in Prague and the surrounding area.
The ceiling frescoes were painted by Siard Nosecký, one of the monks in the order here, between 1721 and 1727. The topic here in the Theological Library: the Nature of Divine Wisdom. He also painted the ceilings of the refectory and other rooms in the Strahov monastery.
A small hallway connects the two libraries.
Philosophical Hall
The Philosophical Hall was built about a century later than the Theological, 1783–1785, and it shows. Instead of the having exciting Baroque flourishes, it’s strictly staid and classical in the Philosophical wing. And instead of separate panels, the fresco here spans the entire ceiling. Painted in 1794 by František Antonín Maulbertsch, the theme here: the Spiritual Development of Humanity. And why ruin your wall of books with an unsightly staircase, hide the spiral stairs with some fake books — no one will know!
It’s worthwhile — even if just for a peek. And just across the courtyard is the Pivovar Strahov, the Strahov Monastery Brewery. Grab lunch and a beer before or after your library visit.
