Strahov Monastery (Tomb of St. Norbert)
The burial place of St. Norbert.
St. Norbert → Plan a trip hereThe Story
Strahov Monastery, rising above Prague near the castle hill, is one of the oldest Premonstratensian abbeys in the world and the resting place of the order's founder, St. Norbert of Xanten, whose relics are enshrined in its Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady. Norbert was born around 1080 at Xanten in the Rhineland and lived as a worldly cleric until, according to the traditional account, a narrow escape during a violent storm turned him decisively to God. He embraced radical poverty and itinerant preaching, and in 1121, in the valley of Prémontré in France, founded a community of canons living the Rule of St. Augustine — the Premonstratensians, or Norbertines. Named Archbishop of Magdeburg in 1126, he labored for Church reform and for the defense of the Eucharist against the errors of his day, earning the title 'Apostle of the Eucharist.' He died in Magdeburg in 1134 and was canonized in 1582. Strahov itself was founded in 1143, within a decade of Norbert's death, and has been home to his spiritual sons through fire, war, and suppression ever since. After Magdeburg passed to the Reformation, the saint's relics were solemnly translated to Strahov in 1627, where they now rest in the Chapel of St. Norbert in the abbey basilica. The monastery, restored to the Premonstratensians after the fall of communism, is also famed for its magnificent baroque library halls. Pilgrims to Strahov encounter a living monastic community nearly nine centuries old, gathered around its founder's tomb — a witness to the endurance of consecrated life and to Norbert's own devotion to the Eucharist at the heart of the Church.
Church Recognition
St. Norbert was canonized by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, and his relics were solemnly translated to Strahov in 1627 with the approval of Church authorities; the abbey remains a living Premonstratensian canonry, and its basilica bears the title of minor basilica conferred by the Holy See.
Catholic Teaching
The shrine of St. Norbert reflects the Church's veneration of the relics of the saints (CCC 1674; 946-962) and the value of consecrated and common life in community (CCC 914-933), while Norbert's own zeal for the Eucharist points to the sacrament as the source and summit of the Church's life (CCC 1324).
Plan Your Visit
Practical
Additional Information
Pilgrims may pray at the Chapel of St. Norbert in the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, attend Mass with the Premonstratensian community, and visit the celebrated Strahov Library and gallery; the saint's feast on June 6 and the Assumption on August 15 are the principal celebrations.
Go Deeper
See the monastery's official website at https://www.strahovskyklaster.cz, explore histories of the Premonstratensian Order for St. Norbert's life, and read the Catechism on consecrated life and the communion of saints (CCC 914-933; 946-962).
Location
Visit the official website ↗ See it on the interactive map →Pilgrim Photos
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In the Area
Other sacred sites within 40 miles.