Emmaus Benedictine Monastary (Emauzy)

Vyšehradská 49, 128 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic

About

EMMAUS MONASTARY Originally founded in 1347 by the oldest order of Monks in the catholic church, the Benedictine order. Recently this monastery and office complex is a testament to survival. The first building of Prague's 'Nove Mesto' or new town, this was originally consecrated by Charles IV (yeah that one) and was touted as the beginning of the New Rome. After centuries of prosperity, the 20th century was not kind to Emmaus. First the Nazis confiscated the monastery and used it for various military purposes;imprisoning and killing the staff of monks in concentration camps. Then the Americans inadvertently bombed it in 1945 near the end of the war, one of only a few architectural casualties the city sustained. Three years after the Benedictines regained possession, the communists confiscated it again in 1948 and detained the monks in reeducation camps, torturing and killing the prior. In 1960 the communist government partially restored the roof with spires devoid of religious symbols and used the buildings for government offices. But since 1990 the Benedictines have been restoring it with revenue from renting office space and it is a beautiful visit. The largest Gothic painting north of the Alps, a painting cycle with 70+ biblical scenes is considered one of the most precious Gothic works in Europe. Library is also being restored. A worth while visit, perhaps combine with some sight seeing at Vyšehrad and lunch or coffee at The Globe.
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