Nový Dvůr Abbey

Nový Dvůr Abbey sits in quiet rolling countryside southeast of Toužim. It is not a sightseeing attraction in the ordinary sense, and that is exactly its strength. The place was created for silence, prayer and work, yet its architecture and story make it one of the most remarkable contemporary sacred sites in the Karlovy Vary Region.

The abbey grew from a ruined Baroque farmstead built in 1750 for the nearby Premonstratensian monastery in Teplá. After confiscation under the communist regime, fire and long neglect, the site was discovered in 1999 by Cistercian monks of the Strict Observance from Sept-Fons in France. They decided to turn the abandoned estate into a new monastery.

Architecture by John Pawson

The reconstruction and new construction took place mainly between 2000 and 2009. British architect John Pawson, known for his radical minimalism, designed the monastic church and new spaces around the rhythm of Trappist life. White surfaces, clear lines, controlled daylight and silence are the main materials of the experience.

The abbey opened in 2002 as a daughter house of Sept-Fons. The monastic church, dedicated to the Mother of God, was consecrated in 2004, and Nový Dvůr became an independent abbey in 2011.

What visitors can experience

Nový Dvůr is an active monastery, not a conventional museum. The monks live a contemplative life, so visitors should come with respect for the quiet character of the place. The church is open to the faithful for common prayer and liturgy, and the public areas are intentionally limited.

In the guest house there is a photo exhibition about everyday monastic life and a short film about the construction of the abbey and the community. The guest house is intended for people seeking a few days of spiritual retreat rather than ordinary tourist accommodation.

The monastery shop sells abbey products such as mustard, jams and creams made with corn-germ extract. Its opening times are short and tied to the rhythm of the community.

Shop opening hours

Guest stays

Stays in the guest house are for quiet retreat and sharing, in a modest way, the rhythm of monastic life. Reservations are handled by e-mail at bratr.hostitel@novydvur.cz. The abbey asks visitors to respect silence, avoid entering areas reserved for the community and follow current visitor rules.

Directions and contacts

• Website: novydvur.cz
• Address: Dobrá Voda 20, 364 01 Toužim
• GPS: 49.9846, 12.9847
• Reception phone: +420 353 300 525, usually 8:30-11:50 and 14:30-16:30
• E-mail: email@novydvur.cz
• Guest house reservations: bratr.hostitel@novydvur.cz

The abbey lies in fields about 1.5 km southeast of Dobrá Voda, roughly an hour by car from Plzeň or Karlovy Vary. The surrounding countryside is well suited to a quiet walk before or after a respectful visit.