The Minorite Monastery in Prague is an important historical monument with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Its construction was carried out in several stages in the Gothic style and was completed in the 14 century. The monastery includes the Church of St. James, which is one of the most impressive sacral buildings in Prague. Its current form combines Gothic elements with Baroque modifications that followed a fire in 1754.
The temple played an important role in the history of the Czech monarchy. In 1311 the wedding feast of Jan Lucemburský and Eliška Přemyslovna took place here, and in 1337 the wedding feast of Jan Lucemburský and the French princess Beatrice. The temple was a place of ceremonies and funerals of rulers - in 1378 the body of Charles IV was displayed here. and in 1577 Emperor Maximilian II was temporarily buried here.
The monastery grounds have been modified several times in its history. After 1620 its early Baroque reconstruction began, followed by reconstruction after a fire in 1754. In 1784 the monastery was partially dissolved and part of the buildings sold. Only part of the original complex has been preserved to this day. The interiors have preserved the Gothic cross vault and Baroque decoration, one of the most important rooms being the winter refectory with frescoes inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, created by Francis Voget in the 18th century.
Since 2025, the monastery has been open to the public again and offers two guided tours. The basic tour includes the Hall of John of Luxembourg, the Romanesque cellars, the Garden of Eden with its Gothic ambo and the Hortus Angelicus herb garden. In addition, the extended tour includes the Coronation Hall on the first floor, the Royal Lounge and four small lounges, where the tour includes coffee and tea tasting.
