Medieval monasteries
Grounds of the medieval monasteries
The monastery complex is hidden away from the crowded tourist streets behind the burgher houses of the Latrán quarter below the castle; today, this is the second largest historical complex in Český Krumlov, right after the castle itself. Kateřina of Rožmberk, together with her four sons, founded the dual monastery for the brothers and sisters of the order of St. Francis of Assisi in 1350. The first Minorites and Clarisses arrived to the monasteries in 1357 and 1361. Throughout the following centuries, the monasteries became a center for religious life, culture, education, and a destination for pilgrims. The Poor Clares Monastery was abolished in 1782 under the Josephinian Reforms, and the abolition of the Minorite Monastery followed in 1950, exactly 600 years after its establishment. The monastery church is the heart of the entire monastery complex and separates the convents of the Minorites and the Poor Clares.
Grounds of the medieval monasteries
The monastery complex is hidden away from the crowded tourist streets behind the burgher houses of the Latrán quarter below the castle; today, this is the second largest historical complex in Český Krumlov, right after the castle itself. Kateřina of Rožmberk, together with her four sons, founded the dual monastery for the brothers and sisters of the order of St. Francis of Assisi in 1350. The first Minorites and Clarisses arrived to the monasteries in 1357 and 1361. Throughout the following centuries, the monasteries became a center for religious life, culture, education, and a destination for pilgrims. The Poor Clares Monastery was abolished in 1782 under the Josephinian Reforms, and the abolition of the Minorite Monastery followed in 1950, exactly 600 years after its establishment. The monastery church is the heart of the entire monastery complex and separates the convents of the Minorites and the Poor Clares. The church is immediately surrounded by three convent buildings, agricultural buildings, and the gardens. In its present form, this dual monastery is architecturally the best-preserved monastery complex in the Czech Republic. The entire monastery complex underwent extensive reconstruction in 2014–2015 and is now open all year round and offers visitors several exhibitions. In addition to the exhibition covering the history, art, and architecture of the former Minorite monastery, it also offers unconventional experiences for both young and old through creative interactive expositions, craft workshops, and a variety of programs and activities in the historic setting of the former Poor Clares monastery.
Exhibitions / Programs and Activities
Former Minorite Monastery – Exhibition on the history, art and architecture of the Krumlov monasteries.
Former Poor Clares Monastery – center for active and creative exploration of history for young and old visitors – craft workshops, original interactive exhibitions, creative activities, and animation programs for children and adults.
Did you know that, the revitalization of the monastery grounds was awarded the prestigious Patrimonium for Futuro 2014, Monument of the Year 2015, Presta Jižní Čechy, and Inspira.
The former monastery of Minorites is in the possession of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star. The former monastery of Poor Clares is in the possession of the Český Krumlov town.
