Escape the Winter Blues: Discover Fascinating Monastery Tours!
Marian Pilgrimage Location at Svatá Hora
Svatá Hora is a stunning Baroque Marian site located in the center of Bohemia and ranks among the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Central Europe. From December 19, 2025, to January 4, 2026, visitors can view Nativity scenes at Svatá Hora, including an exhibition by the Příbram Bethlehem Society in the Mníšek Chapel and a Church Nativity Scene in the St. Ignatius Chapel. For those interested in deeper insights, there are guided tours available that provide detailed information about the site’s highlights. The bell tower, which is accessible to the public, provides a spectacular view of the town of Příbram. Additionally, tourists can explore the cellars of the St. Mountain Museum or the Treasury.
Christmas in Lace at Votice
The St. Francis of Assisi Monastery in Votice offers guided tours that allow guests to learn about the monastery’s history and the lives of Franciscans. There are also exhibitions at the Votice Museum of Homeland History, showcasing works by local artists and featuring a beautifully restored tower clock. One particularly popular exhibition is the Exposition of Prams and Dolls, which showcases unique pieces including rubber dolls made by the Bata factory. A special Christmas exhibition is being organized at the Votice monastery. From December 1 to 30, 2025, visitors can enjoy Christmas in Lace, a Christmas-themed exhibition featuring lacework by artisans from Sedlčany. This coincide with a Christmas sales exhibition filled with handcrafted items from local craftsmen and supported workshops.
Advent Tours at Želiv
The Želiv Monastery will feature a stunning display of nativity scenes inside the painted refectory during the Christmas season, running from November 30, 2025, to January 6, 2026. Those interested in history and architecture are encouraged to join special advent tours of the monastery and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on December 7, 14, and 21 at 2:00 p.m. There will be a festive Christmas tree lighting ceremony combined with a visit from St. Nicholas on December 6. A rich program full of enjoyable activities for families awaits on December 13 and 14, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., when visitors can participate in Christmas workshops to create beautiful Christmas decorations. On December 13 at 6:00 p.m., there will also be a concert featuring the Diogenes ensemble. A truly uplifting cultural experience is scheduled for December 25, Christmas Day, with a festive Christmas Mass featuring the Fish Bohemian Christmas Mass, held at 10:30 in the Abbey Church of the Želiv Monastery.
Autumn and Winter Tours of Teplá Monastery
The Teplá Monastery will be open to visitors through the end of December 2025 with tours running from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with the last tour starting at 3:30 p.m., and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. when the last tour also begins. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes visits to the library and various exhibits from the monastery’s museum collection. You can explore both large and small museum halls, and the picture room, which features a complete collection of portraits of abbots who led the monastery from the 12th through the 20th century. Visitors can also see the librarian’s study—furnished with original pieces dating back to the early 20th century—along with the reading room and the main hall of the monastery library. Reservations are recommended, as priority is given to those with bookings. Tours can be reserved by calling 353 392 732. The monastery will be closed only on December 24; however, it will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on December 25 and 26.
Prague Highlights in Břevnov and Strahov
During the winter months, visitors are warmly welcomed at the Břevnov Monastery in Prague. You can visit every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. The Basilica of St. Margaret, along with the 11th-century crypt and the prelature housing the Theresian Hall, is open for exploration. A friendly guide, who may be a monastery staff member or a monk, will lead you through the tour. The starting point for tours is the fortress-infocenter located in the granary. The Strahov Monastery is also accessible during winter. It features the notable Picture Gallery, Strahov Library, and Theological Hall. In the treasury, you’ll find around one hundred items on display that showcase liturgical craftsmanship, such as monstrances, chalices, and reliquaries, as well as beautifully designed and embroidered liturgical garments. The monastery grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
A Tour and Coffee in Broumov
The stunning Broumov Monastery is a welcoming place for education, art, dialogue, and collaboration. It captivates visitors with tours of impressive examples of Czech Baroque architecture, as well as engaging cultural programs. The Broumov Educational and Cultural Centre, a European facility that promotes creativity, self-assurance, and tolerance, operates within the monastery. The sightseeing tour, featuring the historical interiors, is available year-round, every day from 10:00 to 15:00. The monastery grounds also include a freely accessible garden, the monastery café named Café Dientzenhofer, a restaurant called At the Three Roses, a children’s gallery known as Lapidarium, and the Gallery House located in the monastery garden. Accommodations are available in the renovated monks’ cells at the Guest House located within the beautiful Baroque complex. Advent tours will showcase the holiday decorations in the monastery interiors while educating visitors about Christmas customs and traditions. These tours are scheduled for November 30 and December 7, 14, and 21, 2025. Additionally, on Sunday December 14, you can enjoy the traditional Advent market.
