Teplá Premonstratensian Monastery

Teplá Premonstratensian Monastery is one of the oldest and best-preserved monastic complexes in Bohemia. Founded in 1193 by Blessed Hroznata, it has kept a remarkable continuity of Premonstratensian life despite wars, political upheaval and the forced communist takeover of 1950, when the monastery became military barracks. Returned to the order in 1990, Teplá is now a national cultural monument and one of the strongest heritage stops in the Karlovy Vary Region.

The name Teplá is a place name here; the monastery sits about 7 km north of Mariánské Lázně and makes a natural half-day trip from the spa town.

What to visit

The Romanesque-Gothic Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary was built between 1193 and 1232 and still carries the monumental presence of the early monastery. Its Baroque furnishings from the late 17th and early 18th centuries add sculpture, painting and rich liturgical detail. In summer, organ concerts are held in the church.

The monastery library is the second-largest monastic library in Bohemia. The collection reaches back at least to the 15th century and includes thousands of volumes, rare manuscripts and illuminated parchments. Its great treasure is Vita fratris Hroznatae, a medieval life of the monastery's founder from the mid-13th century.

The museum and picture gallery preserve objects from the monastery collections and a rare series of portraits of all abbots who led Teplá from the 12th to the 20th century.

The Baroque wing, including the prelature and convent, was rebuilt around 1700 under the architect Kryštof Dientzenhofer. The tour gives a look into the monastery's former administrative and residential spaces, some carefully restored in recent years.

The Baroque adit system under the complex is a historic underground drainage and service network. Visits are possible only with advance booking.

The English-style park with pond, Lourdes grotto and modern Stations of the Cross surrounds the monastery and is open daily from 6:00 to 21:00.

Tours

Reduced admission usually applies to students, seniors and disabled visitors. Children under 12 enter the Museum and library route free of charge.

Practical information

Opening hours vary by season. The monastery is closed in January; from February to April and October to December it usually opens Monday-Saturday 9:00-15:30 and Sunday 11:00-15:30; from May to September Monday-Saturday 9:00-17:00 and Sunday 11:00-17:00. Group bookings are recommended, and booking is required for the Baroque adit system and children's tour.

Tours are in Czech, with other languages available by arrangement. Combine the visit with Mariánské Lázně, the Teplá uplands or a quiet walk through the monastery park.

Directions and contacts

• Website: klastertepla.cz
• Address: Klášter 1, 364 61 Teplá
• GPS: 49.9662, 12.8781
• Phone for tours: +420 353 392 732
• E-mail: prohlidky@klastertepla.cz
• Hroznata Academy: +420 353 394 463