Anenský klášter, Dominican monastery in Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic.
The Anenský klášter is a two-storey former Dominican convent at Anenské náměstí 211/2, its façade facing the square. Its wings enclose a rectangular courtyard, while the rear wings form a trapezoidal former cloister garth where remnants of Gothic arcades survive. Several Baroque staircases and small portals remain inside, and above the entrance at Anenské náměstí 948/3 stands a statue of St Lawrence by Jan Antonín Quitainer, carved around 1750.
The site began in 1230 when Templars bought the land and built their commandery, parts of which survive in the eastern basement chambers. Over time the location evolved into a Dominican monastery and underwent successive architectural changes.
The former convent buildings have housed the National Theatre ballet company since the reconstruction of the central wing in 1992–1993. The order itself was dissolved in 1782 under Joseph II's reforms, after which the premises became a printing works. The name Anenský refers to the church of St Anne, whose choir replaced the Templar church of St Lawrence in the 14th century.
The monastery sits close to Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, making it easy to reach on foot while exploring the area. Keep in mind that some sections are actively used by the National Theatre, so access may be limited.
Above the entrance at Anenské náměstí 948/3 stands a statue of Saint Lawrence by Jan Antonín Quitainer, carved around 1750. It recalls the Romanesque rotunda of St. Lawrence that once stood on this site before the Templars rebuilt it as a church after 1230.
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