Location: Český Krumlov District, South Bohemian Region Map
Tel. 380 743 126
Open:
Jun- Aug 9am- 5pm Tue- Sun
Apr, May,
Sep, Oct 9am- 4pm Tue- Sun
Lunch break: 12- 1pm
Admission
Fee:
Adults: 100 Kč
Students, Children (6-15 years): 60 Kč
Seniors (over 65 years): 70 Kč
Family package (2 adults, 3 children):
250 Kč
Zlatá Koruna Monastery, a remarkable Cistercian abbey, stands as one of the most valuable and best-preserved complexes of Gothic architecture in Central Europe. Founded in the 13th century, it exemplifies medieval monastic life and architectural prowess, blending Early and High Gothic styles with later Baroque modifications. Located in the village of Zlatá Koruna within the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, approximately 6 km north of Český Krumlov, the monastery is perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Vltava River valley at coordinates around 48°51′18″N 14°22′06″E. Its scenic position amid forested hills and the river enhances its romantic and historical appeal, making it a key cultural landmark in Bohemia.
The history of Zlatá Koruna Monastery spans over seven centuries,
marked by royal patronage, religious conflicts, industrial repurposing,
and modern preservation.
Founding and Medieval Period (1263–1420)
According to legend, King Přemysl Otakar II founded the monastery in
1263 to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kressenbrunn in 1260,
dedicating it to the Virgin Mary as a gesture of gratitude. Named
"Sancta Corona" (Holy Crown) after a thorn from Christ's crown gifted by
the French king, it was established for the Cistercian Order and became
a significant religious and economic center. The monastery flourished
until 1420, when Hussite forces burned it down during the Hussite Wars,
killing monks and destroying much of the complex.
Reconstruction
and Baroque Era (1420–1785)
Post-Hussite destruction, the monastery
was gradually rebuilt, with major reconstructions in the 17th and early
18th centuries incorporating Baroque elements. It continued as a
Cistercian abbey, supporting local economy through associated houses and
operations. However, in 1785, Emperor Joseph II abolished the monastery
as part of his reforms.
Industrial and Noble Ownership
(1785–1948)
In 1787, the Schwarzenberg family acquired the property,
renting buildings to manufacturers and transforming it into a factory
until 1909. This period saw the village expand with workers' housing.
Reconstruction efforts persisted through the 19th and early 20th
centuries, including during World War II.
Modern Era
(1948–Present)
Nationalized in 1948, the monastery was declared a
national cultural monument in 1995. Since 2013, restored areas like the
Gothic abbey chapel of St. George have been opened to the public. Today,
it is state-owned and managed as a heritage site, with ongoing
preservation highlighting its medieval legacy.
Zlatá Koruna exemplifies a compact medieval Cistercian ensemble, primarily in Early and High Gothic styles with Baroque additions. The architectural core is the Convent Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a three-aisled basilica with a transept, the largest church in South Bohemia, featuring a High Gothic rose window and late 18th-century altar. The complex includes the little and great convents, cloisters, refectory, and chapter hall, with Rococo stucco and frescoes depicting religious themes. The Chapel of the Guardian Angels, a late 13th-century Gothic gem, boasts exquisite Rococo frescoes from 1763. Baroque reconstructions added elaborate decorations, including cruciform passages with frescoes on Cistercian history.
Key features include the unique Gothic Chapel of the Guardian Angels, the immense Church of the Ascension, and exquisite cloisters. The refectory houses early Baroque frescoes and large canvases, while epitaphs of Přemysl Otakar II and Bavor II add historical depth. A rare concert piano by Carl Bechstein, originally for the Tsar’s palace, is a unique artifact. Culturally, the monastery represents peak Cistercian architecture and Bohemian literary heritage, with tours exploring monastic life and regional literature in Czech, German, and Latin. As a National Historic Monument, it symbolizes medieval religious and royal history, protected for its architectural and historical value.
Today, Zlatá Koruna is well-preserved and open to the public as a state-owned cultural site, managed by the National Heritage Institute. Visitors can enjoy two guided tour circuits: one on monastic life (little and great convent, refectory, church) and another on Southern Bohemian literature with interactive exhibits. A lapidary with statues enhances the experience. Opening hours vary seasonally; check the official website for details, with admission fees around 150-250 CZK for tours. Nearby attractions include Český Krumlov and the Vltava River, ideal for combined visits. The site hosts events and offers insights into 18th-century nun life, making it a serene, educational destination.