Due to its architectural design the monastery in Olomouc, Moravia, is often compared to the Spanish El Escorial. This originally Benedictine monastery was founded in 1078 by Moravian prince Ota I the Beautiful and his wife Euphemia. In 1150 the Benedictines were replaced by the Praemonstratensians. After the Thirty Years’ War, in 1659, the premises were rebuilt in Baroque style, to which all the ancient buildings fell a victim, except for the conventual church. Architectural design was made by Giovanni Pietro Tencalla. In 1784 the monastery was abolished and, later on (1790), the conventual church and inside chapels, too. From 1790 the buildings were used as army depot; in 1800 a prison camp for French soldiers was established there. Since 1802 the complex has been used as the military hospital. In 1990s the monastery underwent extensive reconstruction. Among other things, visitors may enjoy e.g. the library, Maria-Theresien Room, St. Steven’s Church, and the Angel Stairs.
GPS: 49° 36'20.335"N, 17° 15'54.284"E