Basilica of St Margaret, Břevnov Monastery
The Basilica of St Margaret, Břevnov Monastery, is a Benedictine archabbey in Prague, Czech Republic, founded in 993 by Saint Adalbert and Duke Boleslaus II. It holds the distinction of being the first Benedictine male monastery in Bohemia and possesses the oldest tradition of beer brewing in the country. The complex has undergone significant Baroque reconstruction and was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1997, when it was elevated to the rank of an Archabbey.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 993 by Saint Adalbert and Bohemian Duke Boleslaus II.
- ›The first Benedictine male monastery established in Bohemia.
- ›Known for having the oldest tradition of beer brewing in the Czech Republic.
- ›Experienced significant Baroque reconstruction between 1708 and 1740.
- ›Visited by Pope John Paul II in 1997 and elevated to an Archabbey.
- ›The monastery complex was used by state security forces before being repaired after the Velvet Revolution.
Baroque
Margaret of Antioch
Remains of Gunther of Bohemia
Benedictine
Christoph Dientzenhofer, Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer
About Basilica of St Margaret, Břevnov Monastery
Břevnov Monastery and the Basilica of St Margaret
Břevnov Monastery, located in the Břevnov district of Prague, Czech Republic, stands as a significant Benedictine archabbey with a rich history dating back to its founding in AD 993. Established by Saint Adalbert, the second Bishop of Prague, with the support of Bohemian Duke Boleslaus II, it holds the distinction of being the first Benedictine male monastery in Bohemia. Alongside its religious importance, the monastery is also recognized for possessing the oldest tradition of beer brewing in the Czech Republic, a practice that, despite interruptions, continues to this day.
History and Architecture
The monastery's foundation in 993 by Adalbert of Prague marked the beginning of a long spiritual and architectural legacy. Early development saw the start of construction on a stone church under Duke Bretislav I, who also secured relics of Gunther of Bohemia for the monastery. During the Hussite Wars in the 1420s, the monastery faced near destruction, with the abbot and convent fleeing to Broumov. A significant transformation occurred after the Thirty Years' War, with a substantial Baroque complex constructed between 1708 and 1740 under Abbot Othmar Daniel Zinke. The architectural plans were designed by Christoph Dientzenhofer, while his son, Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, was responsible for the interior design of the buildings, including St Margaret's church, the conventual buildings, and the prelate's house. These interiors were enhanced by altarpieces from Petr Brandl and ceiling frescoes by Cosmas Damian Asam, complemented by stucco work from his brother, Egid Quirin Asam.
Modern History and Significance
The monastery endured further hardship during the 20th century. It was seized by Wehrmacht forces during World War II and subsequently expropriated by the Communist Czechoslovak government in 1950. Abbot Anastáz Opasek faced a show trial, and the monastery was dissolved, with monks being deported or forced to flee. The complex was utilized by the State Security (StB) until 1990. Following the Velvet Revolution, extensive repairs were undertaken, culminating in the monastery's 1000-year jubilee in 1993. A pivotal moment in its modern history occurred in 1997 when Pope John Paul II visited the monastery and elevated it to the rank of an Archabbey. The Břevnov Monastery Brewery has since resumed its traditional beer production, brewing under the brand Břevnovský Benedict, thus continuing a centuries-old legacy.
The Basilica of St Margaret itself is a central part of this historic complex, representing the continuous spiritual life and architectural evolution of Břevnov Monastery.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Břevnov Monastery founded?
The Břevnov Monastery was founded in AD 993 by Saint Adalbert, the second Bishop of Prague, with the support of Bohemian Duke Boleslaus II.
What is the historical significance of Břevnov Monastery?
It is the first Benedictine male monastery in Bohemia and holds the oldest tradition of beer brewing in the Czech Republic. The complex has a long history, including periods of destruction and significant rebuilding.
Who was involved in the Baroque reconstruction of the monastery?
The Baroque monastery complex was realized under Abbot Othmar Daniel Zinke, with plans designed by Christoph Dientzenhofer. The interior was designed by his son Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, featuring works by artists like Petr Brandl and the Asam brothers.
What happened to the monastery during the Communist era?
Following the German occupation and World War II, the monastery was expropriated by the Communist Czechoslovak government in 1950. The abbot was tried, the monastery dissolved, and monks were deported or fled.
When was Břevnov Monastery elevated to an Archabbey?
Břevnov Monastery was elevated to the rank of an Archabbey in 1997, following a visit by Pope John Paul II.
Does the monastery still brew beer?
Yes, the tradition of beer production continues. Since 2011, the Břevnov Monastery Brewery has been brewing beer under the brand Břevnovský Benedict, continuing a tradition that dates back to its founding.
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