Planning Your Trip to Plasy

Plasy is a small town with a very big history. The Cistercian monastery was founded here in 1144. However, the buildings you see today date mostly from the Baroque era. You can see the influence of famous architects like Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. The Plzeň Region is full of such hidden gems.

Most visitors travel from the nearby city of Plzeň. It is a short 30-minute drive or a scenic train ride. You should check the Visit Plzeň website for local event updates. The monastery is open seasonally, so plan for a spring or summer visit. There are also many best castles near Plzen to explore nearby. If you enjoy history, you might also like a Chateau Kozel tour guide for another day trip.

10 Must-See Highlights When Visiting Plasy Monastery

When visiting Plasy Monastery, you will notice the scale of the complex immediately. It is divided into several sections including the convent and the granary. Each area has its own unique story and architectural style. Here are the top ten experiences you should not miss.

• Best overall: The Convent Building
• Best for families: Building Center Museum
• Best for history: The Monastery Pharmacy
• Best free activity: Stroll by the Střela River

1. Name: The Convent Building Type: sight Why go: This is the heart of the monastery. It features a stunning grand staircase and beautiful frescoes. The building was designed by the famous Santini-Aichel. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Main monastery courtyard. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate (paid tour). Getting there: Follow signs from the main entrance. Tip: Check the Plasy Monastery official site for current tour times.
2. Name: The Water Foundation System Type: experience Why go: The entire building rests on 5,100 oak piles driven into the marsh. You can see the water mirrors that monitor the levels. It is a marvel of 18th-century engineering. Best for: Science fans. Where: Under the Convent. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in the main tour. Getting there: Part of the guided Convent tour. Tip: Learn more about how the Plasy Monastery water foundation system works before you arrive.
3. Name: National Technical Museum Building Center Type: museum Why go: Located in the former brewery, this museum shows how historical buildings were made. It features hands-on exhibits and massive wooden models. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Former monastery brewery building. Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short walk from the Convent. Tip: Buy National Technical Museum Plasy Building Center tickets online to save time.
4. Name: The Monastery Pharmacy Type: indoor Why go: This is one of the best-preserved Baroque pharmacies in the country. It features original wooden cabinets and decorative jars. The atmosphere feels like stepping back in time. Best for: History buffs. Where: Inside the Convent complex. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in specific tours. Getting there: Part of the interior tour route. Tip: Look for the unique "unicorn horn" displayed on the shelves.
5. Name: St. Bartholomew’s Church Type: sight Why go: This church serves as the local parish. It has a beautiful interior with high vaulted ceilings. It represents the spiritual heart of the town. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Adjacent to the main monastery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Accessible from the street. Tip: Visit during the morning for the best natural light.
6. Name: The Clock Tower and Granary Type: sight Why go: The granary is a massive building used to store grain. It features a unique two-story chapel inside. The clock tower is a local landmark. Best for: Photographers. Where: Southern edge of the complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Clearly visible from the main road. Tip: The interior chapel has amazing acoustics if you can get inside.
7. Name: Monastery Brewery Plasy Type: experience Why go: After your tour, enjoy a local beer. The brewery continues the long tradition of monastic brewing. They serve traditional Czech food as well. Best for: Foodies. Where: Near the museum entrance. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Varies. Getting there: Walkable from any part of the complex. Tip: Try the seasonal specials which often use local ingredients.
8. Name: Rabštejn nad Střelou Type: day trip Why go: Known as the smallest town in Central Europe. It features a castle, a monastery, and a stone bridge. The surrounding nature is perfect for a short hike. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: 20 km north of Plasy. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free to explore. Getting there: Best reached by car. Tip: Try hiking in Rabstejn nad Strelou for great river views.
9. Name: Kladruby Monastery Type: day trip Why go: Another masterpiece by Santini. It features a massive dome and a unique "Baroque Gothic" style. It is a great comparison to Plasy. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: West of Plzeň. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 45-minute drive from Plasy. Tip: Read a Kladruby Monastery architecture guide to understand the design.
10. Name: Mariánská Týnice Type: sight Why go: A stunning pilgrimage site designed by Santini. It is located very close to Plasy. The museum inside covers the history of the region. Best for: Art lovers. Where: 10 km from Plasy. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 10-minute drive or local bus. Tip: The symmetrical gardens are perfect for a quick walk.

Essential Tips for Visiting Plasy Monastery

When visiting Plasy Monastery, you must book a guided tour. You cannot enter the main convent rooms on your own. Most tours are in Czech, but English texts are available. During the summer, English tours may be scheduled. It is best to call ahead or email the ticket office.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the day. The complex is large and involves many stairs. The temperature inside the stone buildings is often cool. Even in summer, you might want a light jacket. Photography is usually allowed but may require a small fee.

Parking is available near the main entrance for a small charge. If you use the train, the station is a 15-minute walk. The path is flat and easy to follow. Plasy is a very safe town for solo travelers and families alike.