Břevnov Monastery

The Břevnov Monastery, located in the district of the same name in Prague, is one of the oldest and most significant places in the religious and cultural history of the Czech Republic. Founded in 993 by Saint Vojtěch (Adalbert), the second bishop of Prague, with the support of Duke Boleslaus II, the monastery was the first Benedictine male monastery in Bohemia. This historic site not only played a crucial role in the spiritual development of the region, but is also famous for its long tradition of beer production, the oldest documented in the Czech Republic. The monastery complex has undergone multiple transformations over the centuries. During the Hussite wars of the 15th century, the monastery was almost completely destroyed, forcing the monks to flee to Broumov. Only after the end of the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century was the monastery rebuilt in Baroque style under the direction of Abbot Othmar Daniel Zinke. The reconstruction work was entrusted to the architect Christoph Dientzenhofer and completed by his son Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. These architects created a magnificent complex, with the Church of St. Margaret at its center, adorned with Baroque altars and frescoes by the painter Cosmas Damian Asam and sculptures by Egid Quirin Asam. The monastery also has a complex history during the 20th century. During World War II, it was seized by the Wehrmacht forces and later expropriated by the Czechoslovak communist government in 1950. The years of the communist regime saw Abbot Anastáz Opasek arrested and accused of treason in a spectacular trial. The remaining monks were deported or fled to Bavaria. After the Velvet Revolution of 1989, the complex was returned to the Church and restored to celebrate its millennium in 1993. In 1997, Pope John Paul II visited the monastery, which was elevated to the rank of archabbey. One fascinating aspect of the monastery’s history is its ancient brewing tradition. Documented since 993, beer production has been interrupted several times, but was resumed in 2011 with the founding of the Břevnov Monastery Brewery, which continues to produce beer under the brand “Břevnovský Benedict”. This brewery is now a landmark in craft beer production in the region, with various types of beers including lager, ale, and stout, reflecting ancient Benedictine recipes. The life of the monastery has been characterized by a strong connection with the local community and a constant commitment to education and culture. Over the centuries, the monastery has hosted numerous cultural and religious events, serving as a spiritual and community center. The architecture of the complex, with its Baroque buildings and well-kept gardens, offers a glimpse into the artistic and architectural history of Bohemia.