Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
was little place for vernaculars—
therefore, few books here are in
the Czech language. Two rooms
(seen only from the door) are
filled with 10th- to 17th-century
books, shelved under elaborately
painted ceilings. The theme
of the f irst and bigger hall is
philosophy, with the history
of man's pursuit of knowledge
painted on the ceiling. The other hall focuses on theology. Notice
the gilded locked case containing the
libri prohibiti
(prohibited
books) at the end of the room. Only the abbot had the key, and
you had to have his blessing to read these books—by writers such
as Nicolas Copernicus and Jan Hus, and even including the French
encyclopedia. As the Age of Enlightenment began to take hold in
Europe at the end of the 18th century, monasteries still controlled
the topics. he hallway connecting these two library rooms was
filled with cases illustrating the new practical approach to natu-
ral sciences. Find the dried-up elephant trunks, baby dodo bird
(which became extinct in the 17th century), and one of the earliest
models of an electricity generator.
Nearby Views:
Just downhill from the monastery, past the
venerable linden trees (a symbol of the Czech people) and through
the gate, the views from the
monastery garden
are among the best
in Prague. From the public perch below the tables, you can see St.
Vitus Cathedral (the heart of the castle complex), the green dome
of the Church of St. Nicholas (marking the center of the Little
Quarter), the two dark towers fortifying both ends of Charles
Bridge, and the fanciful black spires of the Týn Church (marking
the Old Town Square). On the horizon is the modern
Žižkov TV
and radio tower
(conveniently marking the liveliest nightlife zone
in town—see page 150). Begun in the 1980s, it was partly meant
to jam Radio Free Europe's broadcast from Munich. By the time
it was finished, communism was dead, and Radio Free Europe's
headquarters had actually moved to Prague.
To reach the castle from Strahov Monastery, take Loretánská
(the upper road, passing Loreta Square—see next page); this is a
more interesting route than the lower road, Úvoz, which takes you
steeply downhill, below Castle Square (see map on page 98).
Or, for one more little sight, consider visiting the Museum
of Miniatures. From the monastery garden viewpoint, backtrack
through the gate to the big linden trees, and leave through a pas-
sage on your right. At the door is the miniscule...
Museum of Miniatures:
You'll see
40 teeny exhibits, each
under a microscope, crafted by an artist from St. Petersburg.
