Dominican Monastery, 13th-century Dominican monastery in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
This monastery is a 13th-century religious complex in České Budějovice that includes the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, Gothic cloisters, and a tower topped with a Baroque cupola. The entire compound shows a mix of medieval stonework and later additions, reflecting how it developed and changed over time.
King Ottokar II of Bohemia established this monastery in 1265 as the very first building constructed when České Budějovice was being founded. Its early foundation made it the oldest standing structure in the city center and a religious anchor from the very beginning of the settlement.
The Gothic cloisters contain medieval wall paintings from 1378 showing Emperor Charles IV and Wenceslaus IV under Virgin Mary's protection. These frescoes show how important the place was as a religious center and reflect the power of the Dominican community in medieval times.
The site is easy to reach on foot from the old town center and is open to visitors interested in walking the grounds and cloisters. Today it houses an art school for children, which means the atmosphere reflects both its monastic past and its modern educational role.
Five Baroque statues stand in the monastery garden, all created by sculptor Josef Dietrich, who carved his own face into the statue of Saint Joseph. This act of self-portraiture gives these garden sculptures an unexpected personal touch.
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