Emmaus Abbey

Emmaus Abbey has a rather interesting history. It was founded in 1347 as a Benedictine Abbey featuring a Gothic church and of course, cloisters. A few years later in 1360, the cloisters were decorated with a wall paintings of Old and New Testaments scenes. The cloisters also feature frescoes with bits of Pagan symbolism from the 14th century. Some of these are still visible but very faded.

In the early 1600s two “onion dome” Baroque towers were added to the front façade. This is an early example of the blending of architectural styles Prague is famous for. In the late 1800s the onion domes were replaced with sharp spires.

Fast forward to World War II and the Abbey fell on hard times. During the war the monastery was seized by the Gestapo and the monks were expelled. The monastery building and vaults along with the two towers were destroyed by U.S. bombing in early 1945. The modern roof with steeples was added in the 1960s. This is yet another example of the blending of architectural styles. The abbey was returned to the Benedictine order in 1990.

The modern steeples are what make Emmaus Abbey so notable. Because of them, no one thinks, just another church. They are a 1960s addition to a 1300s Gothic church. What an amazing blend of styles. And, they work so well together.

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