Vyšší Brod Monastery

The Cistercian monastery in Vyšší Brod is one of the most interesting monuments in South Bohemia. It was built in the13th century by Vok of Rosenberg. The church located inside the monastery has been recently open to the public. You can also visit the chapel of St.Anne and the library with its collection of over 7 000 books.

The Cistercian monastery in Vyšší Brod is located 30 km (18 miles) south of Český Krumlov on the right bank of the Vltava river. It is one of the most interesting monuments in South Bohemia. The fortified monastery, established in the 13th century by Vok of Rosenberg, was an important spiritual and economic centre. Vok of Rosenberg invited Cistercian monks from the Wilhering monastery near Linz to live there. The monastery developed into an influential institution during the 14th century. Its progress was sadly interrupted by the Hussite war which left the monastery practically ruined. A new era of progress came in the middle of the 15th century, when the building and its extensive library were restored with the help of the Rosenbergs. The noble family had a close relationship with the monastery which even held the family mausoleum. The monastery became a favourite tourist spot in the 19th century for its precious collections of books, paintings, coins and other historical objects. Its church is beautifully decorated with the grand Baroque altar, tin candlesticks and a painting of Vok of Rosenberg. Cistercian monks still live in the monastery and are slowly renovating it. Guided tours are offered. You can also check out the post office museum while at it.
Be sure to also visit the parish church of St. Bartoloměj located in the town's cemetery. The Gothic church was founded in 1259 and was rebuilt several times.