The Engineering Behind the Plasy Water System

The foundation of Plasy is a masterpiece of 18th-century engineering. The oak piles are the bones of the building. When oak stays underwater, it becomes as hard as stone. Air is the enemy because it causes the wood to rot quickly. To prevent this, Santini designed a complex system of canals.

The system maintains a constant water level throughout the year. It uses the nearby Střela River to feed the underground reservoirs. Engineers monitor the water daily to ensure the piles never touch the air. This delicate balance has kept the monastery standing for over 300 years. It is one of the most unique structural designs in Europe.

9 Sights Showing How the Plasy Monastery Water Foundation System Works

To truly understand this marvel, you must visit specific spots in the complex. Each area reveals a different part of the hydraulic puzzle. Here are the top sights to see at Plasy.

1. Name: The Grand Convent Type: iconic sight Why go: This is the main building supported by the oak piles. It showcases the scale of the engineering feat. Best for: Architecture lovers Where: Main Monastery Courtyard Time: 1 hour Cost: Included in basic tour Getting there: Walk from the main gate Tip: Look at the floor to see the humidity sensors.
2. Name: The Water Mirrors Type: unique experience Why go: These are square openings in the floor where you can see the actual water. They allow guides to measure the water level. Best for: Science enthusiasts Where: Inside the Convent corridors Time: 15 minutes Cost: Tour ticket required Getting there: Guided tour only Tip: Use your phone flashlight to see the water surface.
3. Name: Center for Building Heritage Type: museum Why go: It is part of the National Technical Museum Plasy Building Center tickets experience. It has models explaining the pile system. Best for: Families and students Where: Former brewery building Time: 2 hours Cost: ~150 CZK Getting there: Short walk from the Convent Tip: Visit this first to understand the physics before the tour.
4. Name: Santini’s Spiral Staircases Type: architectural sight Why go: These stairs are self-supporting and very light. They reduce the weight pressing down on the wet foundation. Best for: Photographers Where: Corner towers of the Convent Time: 10 minutes Cost: Included in tour Getting there: Inside the main building Tip: Notice how the stairs do not touch the central pillar.
5. Name: The Střela River Weir Type: nature/engineering Why go: This is the starting point of the water supply. It diverts river water into the monastery’s underground canals. Best for: Walkers Where: 500 meters upstream from the monastery Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Follow the river path north Tip: Go after rain to see the water flow intensity.
6. Name: The Plasy Monastery Brewery Type: local experience Why go: This historic brewery uses the same water management area. It offers a taste of local beer culture in a technical setting. Best for: Foodies Where: North side of the complex Time: 1 hour Cost: Price of a drink Getting there: Adjacent to the museum Tip: Try the "Metternich" beer, named after the former owners.
7. Name: The Church of the Assumption Type: iconic sight Why go: While not on the water foundation, it shows the massive weight the ground must support. It is a beautiful Baroque church. Best for: History buffs Where: East of the Convent Time: 45 minutes Cost: Free/Donation Getting there: Main entrance area Tip: Check the opening hours as they vary by season.
8. Name: The Royal Chapel of St. Wenceslas Type: historic sight Why go: This is one of the oldest parts of the site. It provides a contrast to the later Baroque water-based convent. Best for: Medieval history fans Where: Near the granary Time: 20 minutes Cost: Included in some tours Getting there: Short walk from the brewery Tip: Look for the unique diamond vaulting inside.
9. Name: The Metternich Tomb Type: historic sight Why go: It is the final resting place of the famous Chancellor Metternich. It shows the later history of the site. Best for: Political history fans Where: St. Wenceslas Church cemetery Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: 5-minute walk from the main gate Tip: The tomb is usually viewed from the outside.

Planning Your Trip to Plasy Near Plzeň

Plasy is one of the best places to visit near Plzeň for a day trip. You can reach the town in about 30 minutes by car. Trains also run regularly from the Plzeň main station. The journey through the river valley is very scenic.

When you arrive, head straight to the visitor center. Tours of the water system are very popular and can fill up. You should check the official regional website for seasonal festival dates. In 2026, expect new interactive displays in the museum area. Always wear comfortable shoes as the monastery floors can be uneven.