Strahov Monastery, Prague

Founded in 1120 by Saint Norbert, the Premonstratensian order has maintained residence at Strahov Monastery since 1143, once a formidable rival in size to the seat of the Czech sovereign. Perched atop a hill on the opposite side of the river from Old Town Prague, Strahov was one of the lucky few to escape Joseph II's 1783 dissolution of monastic houses, a feat it managed by declaring itself a scholarly institution – the monks had, indeed, amassed one of the finest libraries in Bohemia.

Each of the monastery's buildings offers something intriguing for visitors, starting with the fantastic library itself, a collection of roughly 200,000 books. Photography within the reading rooms requires an additional fee, but the ornate decorations, particularly the fresco-covered ceilings, are well worth the expense. Same can be said about the Basilica of Our Lady, adorned with frescoes depicting the Virgin Mary and featuring a significant organ played by Mozart during his 1787 visit. Additionally, the Picture Gallery, accessible from the cloisters, showcases religious art, church plate, and reliquaries, offering a compelling glimpse into the monastery's heritage.

Beyond the cultural treasures, Strahov Monastery offers various activities such as classical music concerts, a top-notch brewery serving delectable cuisine, and Pelko, an underground cellar restaurant aptly named "hell" in Czech.