Cistercian Abbey of Vyšší Brod

Cistercian Abbey in Vyšší Brod (in Latin Altum Vadum, in German Hohenfurt) was flunder on 1 June 1259 by Vok of Rožmberk as a base for colonisation of mainly desolate land around the upper reaches of the Vltava river. The construction of the monastery lasted approximately 100 years which means that it was finished by the half of the 14th century.

The dominant is currently occupied by Cistercian monks who are trying to improve the restituated building of monastery after 40 years of deterioration.

The interesting thing about architecture is that the Gothic core of the church was excepted from rebuilding in Baroque style. The Monastýry of Vyšší Brod is therefore historically the most authentic and preserved monastic locality in czech lands. Main architectural features that can be found there are early and high Gothic with French influence.

The monastery is also well-known for magnificent library which is placed third among the Czech monastery libraries with 70 000 volumes. It is so called indoor library for which Rococo bookcases were finished in 1756.

In addition to the architecture and the library of the monastery, it is also worth paying attention to the artistic collection of Gothic and Baroque period. When considering paintings, the following pieces of art should be mentioned: the gem of South Bohemian paintings – the cycle of nine panel paintings by so called Master of Vyšší Brod; Madonna of Vyšší Brod or notable collection of Baroque Picture aminy which we can find works of Brandl, Halbax and Grunda. Sculptures are represented by Gothic sculpture of Saint Nicholas. The Cross of Záviš is the most important piece of the Treasure of the Monastery which is being given back gradually in the process of restitution. Not the least important is the monastery´s numismatic collection and preserved archive.