Plizio Visual Lab
Kladruby Monastery
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
monastery
The Kladruby Monastery is a former Benedictine abbey located in western Bohemia, founded in 1115 by the Bohemian Duke Vladislaus I. It became one of the wealthiest and most influential religious institutions in the region, playing a crucial role in the colonization of the borderlands. The monastery is world-renowned for its Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which was reconstructed between 1711 and 1726 by the architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. Santini utilized a unique style known as Baroque Gothic, combining medieval structural elements with dynamic Baroque forms. The interior features a massive dome and intricate stucco decorations that reflect the spiritual ambitions of the Benedictine order during the Counter-Reformation. Following the Josephinian reforms in 1785, the monastery was dissolved and later served as a brewery, a military hospital, and a residence for the Windisch-Graetz family.
- Location: Czech Republic
- Top sights: Regionální muzeum Kladrubska · Mohylové pohřebiště · Zaniklé divadlo v přírodě
- Nearby: Tachov (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -2 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 19 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 63 | 47 | 52 | 44 | 78 | 84 | 86 | 87 | 60 | 56 | 57 | 63 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The former Benedictine monastery is open for visits, the church interior and grounds are accessible. Typically the spaces are available during standard opening hours, though no night tours are offered.
Typical hours
Monasteries of this kind usually open from about 9 am to 5 pm, with a midday break. Hours may differ on holidays and in winter, so check ahead.
Photography
Photography inside the church is usually allowed without flash or tripod. In the residential areas of the monastery there are often specific restrictions, please respect them.
Time needed
Allow about one to one and a half hours for a tour of the church and monastery grounds. If you also want to see the exhibitions and cloister, plan for around two hours.
Combine with
The town of Kladruby itself has some historic buildings worth a stroll. Nearby are the Teplá Monastery and the city of Pilsen with its famous beer, which can be easily combined.
Getting there
By car, reach the monastery via the D5 highway, exit Stříbro, then follow signs. Public buses run from Pilsen or Stříbro to Kladruby, with a 15-minute walk from the town.
Insider tip
Visit the monastery in the morning to avoid the largest crowds in the afternoon. Ask for an audio guide at the entrance, as the history of the site is explained in great detail.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1115 by Duke Vladislaus I.
- The monastery church is 93 meters long, one of the largest in Czechia.
- Architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel developed Baroque Gothic here.
- The dome is crowned with a gilded Marian crown.
- Dissolved in 1785 during the Josephinian reforms.
- Became the property of the Windisch-Graetz family in the 19th century.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kladruby Monastery (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is unique about Kladruby Monastery?
The Baroque-Gothic architecture by Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel.
How large is the monastery church?
It is one of the largest churches in Czechia (over 90 m long).
When was the monastery founded?
It was founded in 1115 by Duke Vladislav I for the Benedictines.
Can you visit the monastery?
Yes, there are guided tours through the church and convent buildings.
Is the monastery located by a river?
Yes, it is located in the valley of the Úhlava River.
Kladruby Monastery: where is it located?
Kladruby Monastery is located in Czech Republic.
Kladruby Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Regionální muzeum Kladrubska, Mohylové pohřebiště, Zaniklé divadlo v přírodě.
Kladruby Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kladruby Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
The Kladruby Monastery is a former Benedictine abbey located in western Bohemia, founded in 1115 by the Bohemian Duke Vladislaus I.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Czech Republic →
Nearby cities
Tachov
Tachov is a historic town in West Bohemia, renowned for its impressively preserved medieval town walls.
Domažlice
Domažlice is the center of the Chod region in western Bohemia, known for its rich folklore and characteristic Chod pastries.
Mariánské Lázně
Mariánské Lázně is a world-famous spa town in the West Bohemian Spa Triangle, known for its 19th-century architecture and mineral springs.
Klatovy
Klatovy is often called the 'Gateway to the Bohemian Forest' and is a historic city with a rich Baroque tradition.
Waldmünchen
A Bavarian town in the Upper Palatinate Forest directly on the Czech border, known for the Trenck Festival.
Rokycany
A historic town near Plzeň, featuring a well-preserved town square and two unique military museums that document 20th-century history.
Furth im Wald
Furth im Wald is a Bavarian border town in the Upper Palatinate Forest, globally known for the 'Drachenstich', Germany's oldest folk play.
Vohenstrauß
Vohenstrauß is a town in the Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, known for its magnificent Renaissance Friedrichsburg Castle.
Tirschenreuth
Tirschenreuth is the center of the Upper Palatinate Stiftland, famous for its pond landscape and porcelain production.
Neustadt an der Waldnaab
The former 'City of Lead Crystal' in the Upper Palatinate, a district seat and historic residence of the Lobkowitz family.
Waldsassen
Waldsassen is a significant monastic town in the Upper Palatinate, renowned for its grand Baroque basilica and world-famous abbey library.
Weiden in the Upper Palatinate
Weiden in the Upper Palatinate is the cultural and economic hub of Northern Bavaria, famous for composer Max Reger and its porcelain heri…
Neunburg vorm Wald
A historic town in the Upper Palatinate Forest, famous for its medieval castle and the annual Hussite open-air theater performances.
Mitterteich
Mitterteich is a town in the Upper Palatinate region of Bavaria, famous for its porcelain industry and its setting in the 'Land of a Thou…
Cham
Cham on the River Regen is a Bavarian district town in the Upper Palatinate Forest, known as the gateway to the Bavarian Forest.
History & landmarks
Švihov Fortress
Historical fortified settlement in the Švihov area.
Becov nad Teplou
A historic castle and chateau complex, famous for housing the priceless Reliquary of St.
Loket
A picturesque town nearly encircled by the Ohře River, dominated by a massive Gothic castle perched on a granite cliff.
Kolinec Castle
Former medieval fortification in the Bohemian Forest foothills.
Zbiroh Castle
A castle with a deep well and rich history.
Ostroh Chateau
Medieval castle converted to a chateau, near Františkovy Lázně.
Cheb City Fortifications
Historical defensive structures of the city of Cheb near the Bavarian border.
Nature
Plzeň Zoo
Plzeň Zoo is combined with a botanical garden and a DinoPark.
Ohre River
The Ohre River rises in Bavaria and flows through western and northern Bohemia.
Black Lake
Black Lake is the largest and deepest natural lake in the Czech Republic.
Tok
Tok is the highest peak of the Brdy Highlands in Central Bohemia, rising to 865 meters.
Devil's Lake
Devil's Lake (Čertovo jezero) is the least accessible glacial lake in the Bohemian Forest.
More places
Techmania Science Center
An interactive science center in Plzeň, located in a former Škoda factory hall.
Pilsner Urquell Brewery
The birthplace of Pilsner lager was founded in 1842 and is now one of the most important exporters in the Czech food industry.
Upper Palatine Forest
The Upper Palatine Forest, known as Český les in Czech, stretches along the western border with Bavaria.
Starý Plzenec Rotunda
The Rotunda of St.
Slavkov Forest
The forest area in the West Bohemian spa triangle protects valuable peat bogs and mineral springs.
Valeč Chateau
Baroque chateau with a significant park, designed in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Moser Glassworks
A luxury glass manufacturer in Karlovy Vary, known for its high-quality, handcrafted drinking glasses, decorative pieces, and art.
Becherovka Distillery
The home of the famous herbal liqueur in Karlovy Vary is a symbol of the Czech beverage industry.