Strahov Monastary and Hall 1 Library - Prague

Strahov Library

 

The library in the Strahov Monastery in Prague played an important role in Czech history. There are about 200 000 old prints, mostly from the period between the 16 ^th and the 18 ^th century, around 3000 manuscripts and 1500 first prints. One of the most precious items is the Strahov Evangeliary from the 9 ^th century, with Romanesque and Gothic decoration. There are two splendidly decorated halls: the Theological Hall and the Philosophical Hall.
The origin of the collections in the Strahov Library goes back to the 12 ^th century, when the Premonstratensian monastery was founded there. The development of the library was interrupted several times through the centuries: there was a big fire in 1258, then it was damaged by Hussite warriors in the 15 ^th century. Swedish troops invaded Prague in 1648 and they took many books to Sweden with them.

Beautiful frescoes on the ceiling makes this Library even more special.

Age of Enlightenment - books from the 10th to the 8th century are archived inside the Strahov Library



Over 200,000 books and historic documents are found in the Strahov Library including books by Copernicus

Ceiling dedicated to Man's pursuit of Knowledge