Bechyně Monastery
The monastery houses the largest collection of net vaults in the Czech Republic.
Perched on a cliff above the Lužnice River and yet right in the heart of Bechyně stands the Franciscan monastery – a truly unique and even miraculous structure.
Dating back to the 15th century, the monastery was built on the ruins of a former building destroyed by the Hussites. The three-winged structure with a cloister around a square courtyard served as the seat of Franciscans for over four centuries and is now a treasured monument. It features a true medieval architectural gem – the most extensive collection of net vaults in the country, with international significance.
The complex includes the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the Chapel of the Crucifixion and Our Lady of Sorrows. Spiritual ambiance meets architectural wonder. The Baroque chapel has an unusual octagonal floor plan, and the church is again covered by an exquisite net vault.
What made the monastery famous throughout the region were miracles that occurred here – no less than three statues resisted soldier attacks and later healed the sick. Their defense and healing stories are revealed within the monastery.
It was built on the remains of a 1281–1284 building destroyed in 1426 and 1428. Originally Minorite, later Franciscan. After being abandoned in 1428, the Franciscans returned in 1491 by royal and papal permission. The Church of the Assumption was also restored that year (date still visible in the presbytery).
The two-nave church is over 42 m long. To its north lies the monastic complex built from 1501. The convent is a one-story building with three wings and a cloistered courtyard.
The interior and furnishings are also rare. Highlights include a late Gothic fresco of the Last Judgment (c. 1520), a Baroque choir (1634), a richly decorated main altar (1780) with a Crucifixion sculpture (16th c.) and Pietà (late 15th c.), and works by Karel Škréta and Michal Václav Halbax. Also on display are Renaissance tombs and a baptismal font shaped like a twisted tree trunk.
Opening hours (September–June): 9:00–12:00, 13:00–17:00
Group of at least 5 people required. Guided tours are organized by the Bechyně Tourist Information Centre on the main square, where tickets are also sold.
