Monastery of Knights of the Cross with the Red Star, Medieval monastery at Charles Bridge entrance, Prague, Czech Republic
The Monastery of Knights of the Cross with the Red Star is a complex of buildings positioned at the foot of Charles Bridge, combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. Inside you find multiple chapels, cloisters, and halls decorated with religious artworks and sculptures from different periods.
The monastery was established in 1233 by Saint Agnes of Bohemia as a charitable house caring for poor and sick individuals. Over the following centuries, the buildings were expanded and rebuilt repeatedly, absorbing architectural styles from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.
The monastery remains home to an active religious community that welcomes visitors into their living space. Walking through the halls, you encounter signs of ongoing monastic life rather than a frozen historical display.
Access to the complex is through the Knights of the Cross Square entrance, where you can explore freely or join a guided tour. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the buildings have multiple levels and stairs to navigate.
The monastery was founded by a woman who was later canonized, making it the only male religious community of this origin in Catholic Church history. This unusual foundation distinguishes it from virtually every other male religious order in existence.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
