Top sights inside the Minorite Monastery complex

The monastery is one of the oldest parts of the city. It was founded in the 14th century. Today, it serves as a cultural hub for visitors. You will find art, history, and craft here. Here are the top things to see inside.

• Best overall: Church of Corpus Christi
• Best for families: Craft Workshops
• Best for history: The Black Kitchen
• Best free area: The main courtyard

1. Name: Church of Corpus Christi and the Virgin Mary Type: sight Why go: This is the spiritual heart of the complex. It features stunning Baroque altars and Gothic architecture. Best for: Architecture lovers Where: Main entrance area Time: 30 minutes Cost: Included in main ticket Getting there: Walk from the Red Gate Tip: Look up to see the intricate ceiling paintings.
2. Name: The Great Cloister Type: sight Why go: The Gothic arches create a peaceful atmosphere. It surrounds a central courtyard used for meditation. Best for: Photographers Where: Central complex Time: 20 minutes Cost: Included in tour Getting there: Follow the signs from the church Tip: Visit in the morning for the best light.
3. Name: St. Wolfgang's Chapel Type: sight Why go: This chapel contains rare 14th-century frescoes. It is a hidden gem with a very quiet vibe. Best for: Art historians Where: Near the cloister Time: 15 minutes Cost: Included in tour Getting there: Accessible via the Great Cloister Tip: The frescoes are delicate, so avoid using flash photography.
4. Name: The Craft Workshops Type: experience Why go: You can see traditional Czech crafts in action. Potters, blacksmiths, and bookbinders work here. Best for: Families with children Where: Northern wing Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Small fee for workshops Getting there: Entrance through the craft courtyard Tip: You can try making your own souvenir here.
5. Name: The Black Kitchen Type: sight Why go: This is a perfectly preserved medieval kitchen. It shows how monks prepared meals centuries ago. Best for: Food history buffs Where: Ground floor Time: 15 minutes Cost: Included in tour Getting there: Part of the standard museum route Tip: Notice the soot on the walls from centuries of cooking.
6. Name: The Gallery of the Monasteries Type: museum Why go: It houses a large collection of religious art. You can see statues and paintings from the South Bohemia region. Best for: Museum fans Where: Upper floors Time: 45 minutes Cost: Main ticket required Getting there: Follow the stairs from the cloister Tip: Check the official site for temporary exhibitions.
7. Name: The Poor Clares’ Convent Type: sight Why go: This area was once strictly for nuns. It provides a contrast to the Minorite section. Best for: History enthusiasts Where: Eastern part of the complex Time: 30 minutes Cost: Included in full ticket Getting there: Connected via internal hallways Tip: The architecture here is simpler and more austere.
8. Name: The Monastery Courtyard Type: experience Why go: This is a great place to sit and rest. It is often much quieter than the town square. Best for: Relaxation Where: Central area Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Enter through the main gate Tip: It is one of the best quiet places in Cesky Krumlov.
9. Name: Krizova Hora (Cross Hill) Type: day trip Why go: This hill offers a panoramic view of the town. It is a short walk from the monastery area. Best for: Hikers and views Where: Southern edge of town Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Follow the marked trail from the monastery Tip: Read more about the Cross Hill hike before you go.

Finding Minorite Monastery gardens peace

The outdoor spaces are just as vital as the buildings. You should seek out the Minorite Monastery gardens peace for a true break. These gardens were once used for growing herbs and fruit. Now, they are open for everyone to enjoy. They provide a lush green backdrop to the stone walls.

The Tramín garden is a highlight of the exterior. It offers views of the castle tower. You can find benches under old fruit trees. It is a perfect spot for reading or sketching. Many visitors miss this area, so it stays very quiet.

The monastery grounds are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. This status protects the historic layout of the gardens. You can feel the history in every corner. The air is often cooler here during hot summer days.

Planning your visit to the monastery

Most people enter through the Red Gate. This is the main entrance to the entire complex. You can buy tickets at the visitor center located there. Check the Red Gate entrance tickets for current prices. The staff can help you choose the right tour.

Allow at least two to three hours for your visit. This gives you time for the museum and the gardens. The complex is large and spread out. Wear comfortable shoes as the floors are often uneven. Many areas are accessible, but some stairs are steep.

The official tourism portal has more event info. Sometimes the monastery hosts concerts or markets. These events add a lively feel to the historic halls. Check the calendar before you arrive in town.