On Havlín Hill stands Karlův stánek, a brick-built viewing pavilion; the history of Zbraslav Castle dates back to the founding of the monastery in 1292. The castle park, pilgrimage route and architecture of Husův sbor offer further cultural perspectives. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Zbraslav, these varied themes give you a tangible sense of the destination’s character.
Zbraslav Castle: From Monastery to Cultural Monument
Zbraslav Castle was originally a Cistercian monastery, founded by King Václav II in 1292. In 1995, the castle was declared a national cultural monument. The two dates mark different chapters in its history: the founding of the monastery and its later designation as a monument. For planning your visit, it is also important to know that the interiors are currently not open to the public. So do not plan an interior tour, and check the current visitor status again before your trip.
Havlín: Viewing Pavilion and Glass Altar
Havlín Hill is an archaeological monument. Karlův stánek, a brick-built viewing pavilion, stands there. The hill is easily accessible via several direct routes from Zbraslavské náměstí. Havlín is therefore a distinct focus of Zbraslav’s cultural history, with a specific building and the archaeological monument as separate features.
The glass altar Skleněný oltář is also located on Havlín. The artist Vladimíra Tesařová created the work, which was installed in December 2021 in the former charnel house by the Church of St. Gall. The altar can be viewed from outside through a barred window during cemetery opening hours. This access arrangement is important for planning: check the cemetery’s opening hours before your visit.
Castle Park and Architecture
Zbraslav Castle Park brings together different elements of landscape design. A promenade terrace above an arm of the Berounka has been preserved; other areas were laid out in the English style. The park is also home to a collection of sculptures from the National Gallery. Alongside the site’s monastic history, the terrace, landscaped areas and sculpture collection give it a distinct artistic and scenic dimension.
Husův sbor in Zbraslav tells a different story of architecture. It was created in 1938–1939 by converting a former manor granary, following a design by architect Stanislav Vachata. The 30-metre-high tower is crowned by an octagon with a symbolic chalice. The building also houses a portable Renaissance altar originally made for the monastery church of St. James in Zbraslav. Thus, the conversion of the former granary and an older work of religious art come together in this building.
The Way of St. James and the Church of St. James
The Way of St. James also connects Zbraslav with a religious tradition: it runs along the Vltava to Zbraslav and passes through the town, stopping at the local Church of St. James the Greater. The Zbraslav parish is happy to issue a church stamp to pilgrims travelling to Compostela. If the stamp is important to your plans, contact the parish in advance.
These sites highlight different aspects without any one of them encompassing the town’s entire history: the castle represents the founding of the monastery and its later monument status, Havlín its archaeological heritage and glass altar, and Husův sbor a more recent architectural history. The Way of St. James adds a specific connection for pilgrims to these cultural themes. When planning your trip, you can consider which of these aspects interests you most.
Discover more destinations: Prague 1, Prague 4, Cakovice, Prague 10, Jinonice, Prague 8, Prague 2, Prague 3
For the overview of the wider area: Prague.
