Planning Your Kladruby Monastery Visit

Getting to the monastery is straightforward from the regional capital. Most travelers start their journey in Plzeň. You can take a local bus from Plzeň to Kladruby Monastery for a budget-friendly trip. The ride typically takes about 45 minutes through the scenic countryside.

If you prefer driving, the route follows the D5 highway. Parking is available near the main entrance for a small fee. Many people choose to combine this with other castles near Plzeň to fill a whole day. The roads are well-marked and easy to navigate.

Before you go, check the official opening hours. The monastery usually opens its doors in April and closes in October. In 2026, expect special events to celebrate the local heritage. You can find more details on the Plzeň Region official site for seasonal updates.

Guided tours are the only way to see the interior. These tours are often in Czech, but English texts are usually provided. It is wise to book your spot online during the busy summer months. This ensures you do not miss the chance to see the famous altar.

10 Highlights of a Kladruby Monastery Visit

Your Kladruby Monastery visit should include these top sights. Each location offers a different look at the site's long history. Here are the must-see spots for your itinerary.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
• Quick Pick: Best for History - The Benedictine Convent
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - The Monastery Gardens
• Quick Pick: Best Rainy Day - The Lapidarium

1. Name: Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Type: Sight Why go: It is the third longest church in the country and a Santini masterpiece. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Main monastery courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in main tour. Getting there: Central building in the complex. Tip: Look up at the dome to see the stunning light patterns.
2. Name: The Santini-Aichel Exhibition Type: Experience Why go: Learn about the history of Kladruby Monastery and its unique style. Best for: Education. Where: Inside the main convent building. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small additional fee. Getting there: Follow signs from the ticket office. Tip: This helps you understand the symbols used in the church architecture.
3. Name: The Benedictine Convent Type: Sight Why go: See where the monks lived and worked for centuries. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: South wing of the complex. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Part of the convent tour. Getting there: Access via the main entrance. Tip: The winter refectory has beautiful ceiling paintings.
4. Name: The Monastery Gardens Type: Nature Why go: Enjoy a peaceful walk with a great view of the church exterior. Best for: Families and relaxation. Where: Surrounding the main buildings. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to wander. Getting there: Walk behind the main church building. Tip: This is the best spot for wide-angle photography.
5. Name: The Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) Type: Sight Why go: A rare architectural feature where pilgrims would climb on their knees. Best for: Religious history. Where: Inside the prelature. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Part of the extended tour. Getting there: Located in the upper floors. Tip: Respect the quiet atmosphere of this sacred space.
6. Name: The Lapidarium of Statues Type: Museum Why go: See original Baroque sculptures by Mathias Bernard Braun. Best for: Art fans. Where: The old monastery cellars. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in the tour. Getting there: Entrance is near the cloister. Tip: The lighting here makes the statues look very dramatic.
7. Name: The Old Prelature Type: Sight Why go: This was the abbot's residence and features grand reception rooms. Best for: Seeing luxury. Where: The northern part of the complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Part of the main tour. Getting there: Connected to the main church. Tip: Check out the historical furniture and wall hangings.
8. Name: Kladruby Town Square Type: Neighborhood Why go: A charming local area with small shops and traditional houses. Best for: Local vibe. Where: 1 kilometer from the monastery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk or drive down the main road. Tip: Grab a coffee here before heading back to Plzeň.
9. Name: Stříbro Lead Mines Type: Day Trip Why go: Explore the deep mining history of the region in a nearby town. Best for: Adventure. Where: Town of Stříbro, 10 minutes away. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate tour fee. Getting there: Short drive or local train. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven.
10. Name: Švihov Water Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: A unique fortress surrounded by water, perfect for photos. Best for: Families. Where: 40 minutes south of Kladruby. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Standard entry fee. Getting there: Best reached by car. Tip: Book a Švihov Water Castle tour in advance during summer.

Practical Tips for Your Monastery Trip

To make the most of your visit, arrive early in the morning. This helps you avoid the larger tour groups that arrive by bus. The light inside the church is also best during the early hours. You can find more travel advice on the Visit Czechia website.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for your trip. The monastery complex is large and has many stone floors. Some parts of the tour involve climbing stairs to reach higher galleries. Accessibility is limited in some older sections of the convent.

Photography is generally allowed but without a flash. Some special exhibitions may have stricter rules. Always look for signs or ask your guide before taking photos. Respectful behavior is expected inside the active religious buildings.

There is a small cafe on-site for snacks and drinks. However, for a full meal, you might want to head back to Plzeň. The city offers many more dining options for hungry travelers. You can explore various local tastes after your day of sightseeing.