Klášter combines the history of a Cistercian abbey with an educational trail that runs through the village. The historical traces range from a Romanesque building and part of the former cloister to the Neoclassical Chapel of St. Margaret. Cultural history and a specific route offer different starting points for planning your trip.
Abbey History Across Several Building Periods
The Cistercian Abbey of the Virgin Mary in Klášter was founded in 1144 by Vladislav II and settled by monks from Ebrach in Germany. The founding year places the abbey’s history in the 12th century and provides a chronological starting point for the other surviving architectural features.
Among the remains of the former abbey, a Romanesque building bearing house number 39 has survived. Part of the former cloister, with gates dating from the beginning of the 14th century, adjoins the abbey remains. The Romanesque building and the section of the cloister with its gates thus point to different architectural periods.
The Neoclassical Chapel of St. Margaret dates from 1861–1862. This extends the chronological perspective beyond the abbey’s history and the section of the cloister, into the 19th century. The contrast between the Romanesque building and the Neoclassical chapel helps distinguish the different periods in the local architectural history. Romanesque refers to medieval architecture; Neoclassicism draws on forms from Greek and Roman antiquity—two distinct art-historical reference points for the buildings in Klášter.
Educational Trail and Local Highlights
The educational trail below Zelená Hora runs from Nepomuk around Zelená Hora Castle to Klášter and back to Nepomuk. Klášter is part of the route, while Nepomuk is both the starting point and the return point. The route therefore includes the village in a circuit that continues beyond Klášter.
At just under 4.5 kilometres, the educational trail has nine stops with information boards. The distance describes the full route, while the number of stops indicates how it is divided into information points. The trail is suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and families with children; it can also be travelled with a pushchair.
Klášterský rybník is used primarily for fish farming and fishing. Alongside the abbey’s history and the educational trail, this is another local highlight: the pond’s use for these two purposes.
There is an area for children next to the football pitch in Klášter. For planning a trip with children, these are two distinct points to note: the educational trail is suitable for families and can be travelled with a pushchair; the children’s area is a separate spot next to the football pitch.
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Klášter, first consider whether the abbey’s history or the educational trail is the main reason you are drawn to the village.
Discover more destinations: Dnešice, Střelice U Stoda, Čižice, Otěšice, Střížovice, Ves Touškov, Milínov, Drahkov
For the regional travel overview: Plzeň-Jih.
