Monastery of Emmaus

The Emmaus Monastery, located in the Nové Město district of Prague, is a place of extraordinary beauty and historical, artistic, and cultural significance. Founded in 1347 by Emperor Charles IV, the monastery was intended to house Benedictine monks from the Slavic region, creating a spiritual and cultural center that would have a lasting impact on the city’s history and beyond. The foundation of the monastery took place during a period of great religious and political ferment. Charles IV, the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire and king of Bohemia, wanted to promote the Christianization and education of the Slavic regions, and the Emmaus monastery became a symbol of this project. The monastery was initially called “Na Slovanech” (Of the Slavs) and dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian, but soon became known as Emmaus, in honor of the village mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. The architecture of the monastery is an exceptional example of Cistercian Gothic style, characterized by austere yet elegant simplicity. The monastery church, with its high naves and stained glass windows, is a testament to the skill of medieval architects. One of the most distinctive features of the monastery is the cloister, decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints, created in the 14th century. These frescoes are among the oldest examples of Gothic painting in Bohemia and represent an important artistic heritage. The monastery also played a significant role during the era of the Hussites, a religious reform movement that took hold in Bohemia in the 15th century. During the Hussite wars, the monastery was a refuge for many intellectuals and religious figures seeking to escape persecution. However, in 1420, the monastery was looted and destroyed by the Hussites, and only in the 17th century did a long restoration phase begin. One of the most tragic events in the monastery’s history occurred during World War II. In 1945, the monastery was severely damaged by Allied bombings, which destroyed much of the structure, including the famous frescoes. In the following years, a long and complex restoration effort sought to restore the monastery to its former glory, although many of the original artworks were lost. Over the centuries, it has housed a library rich in manuscripts and rare texts, many of which were written by the monks themselves. This tradition of scholarship continues today with the organization of conferences, seminars, and exhibitions that attract scholars and visitors from around the world. An interesting anecdote concerns the monastery’s bell, known as “Emmaus.” According to legend, the bell was hidden by the monks during the Hussite wars to protect it from destruction. It was only rediscovered centuries later and brought back to the monastery, where it continues to ring today, a symbol of hope and resistance. After the fall of communism in 1989, the monastery was returned to the Benedictine Order and resumed its function as a religious and cultural center. This return to its origins has been welcomed with great enthusiasm by the local community and international visitors, who see the monastery as an example of resilience and perseverance.