Anenský klášter, Dominican monastery in Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic.
The Anenský klášter is a monastery complex in Prague's Old Town arranged around a rectangular courtyard bordered by Gothic arcades. The buildings blend Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, with a trapezoidal garden set beside the main courtyard.
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 complex now hosts the National Theatre ballet company, weaving contemporary performance into spaces shaped by centuries of religious life. Dancers and audiences move through the halls, giving the monastery a living role in Prague's modern cultural world.
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.
A stone figure of Saint Lawrence by sculptor Jan Antonín Quitainer crowns the entrance, installed in 1750 to mark the monastery's religious purpose. This sculpture often goes unnoticed by visitors, yet it stands as a quiet reminder of the spiritual past within these walls.
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