Planning Your Minorite Monastery Complex Visit

The Monasteries of Český Krumlov are part of a massive UNESCO World Heritage site. This complex is one of the largest in the country. It offers a mix of sacred spaces and interactive museums. You can explore grand halls or try your hand at traditional crafts. Most visitors spend at least two hours here. It is a great place to learn what to see in Cesky Krumlov beyond the castle.

• Best overall: The Monastery of the Minorites cloisters.
• Best for families: The Interactive Exhibition of Human Skills.
• Best rainy-day: The indoor museum and craft workshops.
• Best free activity: Walking through the Monastery Gardens.

12 Best Things to Do at the Monasteries and Nearby

This list covers the best experiences for your trip in 2026. We have included the core monastery sights and nearby gems. These picks ensure you see the best of the Latrán area. Follow this guide to make the most of your time.

1. Name: Monastery of the Minorites Type: Sight Why go: This is the core of the complex with beautiful Gothic cloisters. Best for: History buffs Where: Klášterní Street Time: 1 hour Cost: Moderate Getting there: Walk from the main square toward Latrán. Tip: Look for the rare mural paintings in the hallways.
2. Name: Monastery of the Poor Clares Type: Sight Why go: It offers a look into the secluded life of the nuns. Best for: Architecture lovers Where: Latrán district Time: 45 minutes Cost: Included in complex ticket Getting there: Adjacent to the Minorite section. Tip: Visit the former living quarters for a quiet atmosphere.
3. Name: Church of Corpus Christi and Our Lady of Sorrows Type: Sight Why go: It is the spiritual heart of the complex with Baroque altars. Best for: Art fans Where: Entrance via the main courtyard Time: 30 minutes Cost: Small donation or included in tour Getting there: Central courtyard of the monasteries. Tip: Check for evening organ concerts held here frequently.
4. Name: Interactive Exhibition of Human Skills Type: Experience Why go: You can try medieval crafts like blacksmithing or herbalism. Best for: Families with children Where: Ground floor of the monastery Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: Follow signs for the "Craft Workshops." Tip: Buy a token to make your own soap or printed paper.
5. Name: Monastery Gardens Type: Nature Why go: These peaceful lawns offer a great view of the castle tower. Best for: Relaxation Where: Behind the main monastery buildings Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Accessible through the main monastery gate. Tip: This is a perfect spot for a picnic away from crowds.
6. Name: Latrán Neighborhood Type: Neighborhood Why go: This historic area surrounds the monastery and is full of charm. Best for: Photography Where: The area between the castle and the river Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Cross the bridge from the Old Town. Tip: Explore the unique small museums in Cesky Krumlov located in this district.
7. Name: Český Krumlov Castle Type: Sight Why go: It is the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic. Best for: Everyone Where: Just a 5-minute walk from the monastery Time: 2-3 hours Cost: High (for guided tours) Getting there: Visible from almost anywhere in the monastery. Tip: Book your Cesky Krumlov castle tour routes in advance online.
8. Name: Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It provides the most iconic 360-degree view of the town. Best for: View seekers Where: First castle courtyard Time: 30 minutes Cost: Low Getting there: Short walk from the monastery entrance. Tip: Visit the castle tower and castle museum together for a discount.
9. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: A world-class gallery dedicated to the famous expressionist painter. Best for: Modern art fans Where: Široká Street Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: 10-minute walk from the monastery. Tip: Check out the Egon Schiele art centrum gallery for temporary exhibits.
10. Name: Museum Fotoateliér Seidel Type: Museum Why go: A perfectly preserved 19th-century photography studio. Best for: History lovers Where: Linecká Street Time: 1 hour Cost: Moderate Getting there: 15-minute walk from Latrán. Tip: The Museum Fotoatelier Seidel photography tour is very immersive.
11. Name: Vltava River Rafting Type: Experience Why go: See the monastery and castle from the water. Best for: Adventure seekers Where: Various rental points along the river Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: Walk down to the river banks near Latrán. Tip: Choose a wooden raft tour for a more traditional experience.
12. Name: Graphite Mine Type: Day Trip Why go: An underground adventure showing the town's industrial past. Best for: Unique experiences Where: On the outskirts of town Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: 20-minute walk or short taxi ride. Tip: Take one of the Cesky Krumlov graphite mine tours to see the old equipment.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Monastery Trip

To enjoy your Minorite Monastery complex visit, arrive early in the morning. The complex usually opens at 10:00 AM. You can find the latest hours on the official monasteries site. Wear comfortable shoes as the floors are uneven stone. Most areas are accessible, but some towers have narrow stairs. Tickets can be bought for specific sections or the whole complex.

Photography is allowed in most areas without a flash. Please remember that parts of the complex are still used for sacred events. Keep your voice low when entering the church. If you visit in winter, dress warmly as the thick stone walls stay very cold. There is a lovely cafe on-site for a quick break. It serves local pastries and hot coffee.