Hidden on the slopes of Petřín Hill lies the Strahov Library.
It is by many, including me, labeled as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
I find it fantastic not only for people who are into reading, but it is a place that amazes anyone who steps through its doors. With its mix of Baroque and Classicist architecture, historical curiosities, and the sense of walking into a time capsule, the Strahov Library is a must-visit for every traveler.
And honestly, if you ever want someone to show you where Prague’s history truly begins, the area around the library is one of the best places to start — it sits right at the gateway to the Royal Route, where so many of the city’s stories unfold.
Two Halls
The Strahov Library is made up of two halls. Each of them tells its own story.
The Theological Hall
It was constructed in the early 1670s under the guidance of Abbot Jerome Hirnheim. Theological Hall was designed to house an ever-growing collection of religious texts.
Crafted from richly glazed wood, the shelves are decorated with complicated gilded carvings. Frescoes painted by Siard Nosecký create a heavenly atmosphere above.
The central theme of the frescoes is wisdom, which we can achieve through faith. Phrases from the Bible, such as “The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom” (Psalm 111:10), are woven into the artwork. They show the spiritual devotion of the library’s creators.
Highlights include:
- A 17th-century Compilation Wheel: A rotating wooden device was designed to hold multiple open books for cross-referencing—a true wonder of its time.
- A Rare Sack-Bound Book: A unique example of travel-friendly bookbinding held by a Gothic statue of St. John the Evangelist.
The Philosophical Hall
After a century passed, the growing collection required a larger space.
Philosophical Hall was completed in 1797 under Abbot Václav Mayer. This large neoclassical room is amazing in every sense of the word. It stretches 32 meters long and 14 meters high. Its walls are lined with walnut shelves- originally salvaged from a dissolved Moravian monastery. These shelves now house over 60,000 volumes and cover different subjects from astronomy to mathematics.
The most prominent eye-catcher is the ceiling fresco by Viennese painter Franz Anton Maulbertsch. It is titled “The Spiritual Development of Humanity.” It portrays the evolution of human thought. It smoothly blends biblical, philosophical, and historical symbols. Highlights include Moses with the Tablets of the Ten Commandments, ancient philosophers like Socrates and Aristotle, and Saint Wenceslaus- the most famous Czech patron Saint.
Hidden spiral staircases within the walls lead to a second-level gallery.
Cabinet of Curiosities: A Wunderkammer to Remember
While the library’s halls are its most famous attractions, you shouldn’t miss the Cabinet of Curiosities. Situated in the connecting corridor, it offers a peek into the eccentric interests of the Enlightenment period. Originally acquired in 1798, it features:
- Natural Wonders: Fossils, minerals, and marine specimens, including shells and coral formations. For me the most fascinating detail- it even stores fossiled wheels penis
- Historical Artifacts: A 12th-century chainmail shirt and 17th-century weapons.
- Whimsical Oddities: A “dragon” crafted from stingray parts, once believed to be a mythical creature.
This unique blend of science and mysticism captures the spirit of curiosity that drove early modern exploration and discovery. In general- if you can imagine the working place of an old witch from a fairytale story- this is it.
A pleasure for the Eyes and Soul
The beauty of the Strahov Library consists of little details—the precisely carved wood, the thoughtful arrangement of globes and manuscripts…
And not least, the profound silence that surrounds you. You don’t have to be a scholar to feel the weight of centuries here. As for me, simply standing in these halls is enough to get me inspired.
Interesting Facts About Strahov Library
- Oldest Books: Some manuscripts in the library date back to the 9th century, making it a storage of knowledge spanning over a millennium.
- Rare Collection: The library houses over 200,000 volumes, including 3,000 manuscripts and 1,500 early printed books (incunabula).
- Interactive Devices: The library’s collection includes historical tools like globes and a planetary mechanism for studying celestial movements.
Plan Your Visit
To protect its treasures, the Strahov Library doesn’t allow free roaming through its halls. But guided tours offer great insights and an up-close look at the collections. Special arrangements can get you access to otherwise restricted areas.
- Photography: Want that picture-perfect shot of the halls? A special permit is required.
- Combine Your Trip: The library is conveniently located near other attractions. It is just next to Petřín Hill and Prague Castle.
Why You Should Go
I found the Strahov Library absolutely magical! It’s one of those places that is a work of art, a museum, and a time machine all in one.
And if you’d like to start your exploration of Prague exactly where its history begins, join us on our Prague in a Nutshell tour. We actually begin right outside the Strahov Library, and before we walk down the Royal Route, I share all the essential stories and surprising details that help you understand why this area is the most important part of the city. It’s the perfect introduction to Prague — simple, fun, and genuinely eye-opening.
