Strahov Library, Monastic library in Hradčany district, Prague, Czech Republic.
The Strahov Library occupies two halls connected by a corridor in the Strahov Monastery. The Theological Hall, built 1671–1674 to Giovanni Domenico Orsi's design, has a ceiling fresco by Siard Nosecký (1721–1727). The larger Philosophical Hall, about 10 by 32 metres and two storeys high with a gallery, was adapted from a granary in 1783–1785.
The first hall was built between 1671 and 1674 and was originally dedicated to theological works. A second hall was added later to expand the collection into worldly and scientific subjects.
The Theological Hall's ceiling frescoes were painted in 1721–1727 by the Strahov Premonstratensian Siard Nosecký. The Philosophical Hall's ceiling, showing the spiritual development of humanity, was painted in 1794 by Franz Anton Maulbertsch with his pupil Martin Michl. The two halls are joined by corridors that also serve as library space.
The two halls, Theology and the larger Philosophy, are joined by a corridor that also holds bookcases and the cabinet of curiosities at its western end. The Philosophy Hall rises through two storeys with a gallery at mid-height, so expect stairs between levels. The library sits in the Strahov Monastery courtyard in Prague 1-Hradčany.
The Philosophical Hall's ceiling fresco, painted in 1794 by Franz Anton Maulbertsch with his pupil Martin Michl, shows the spiritual development of humanity; Maulbertsch had painted a very similar fresco for the Louka library whose cabinets were moved here in 1792.
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