Foundress of the convent, Agnes of Bohemia, was instrumental in introducing the gothic sensibilities of Western Europe to the nascent Czech state. While not solely attributable to the erstwhile abbess, the echoes of that decision color Old Prague to the present day. Despite the fact that the convent enjoyed its salad days in the 1200s Agnes had to wait 707 years from her death to be canonized Saint Agnes in a return to the papal favor she enjoyed during her lifetime from Gregory IX.

The convent rests comfortably near the Vltava in Old Prague on land gifted by Agnes’ brother Bohemian King Wenceslas I. It saw three phases of construction under Agnes from 1231 to 1253 and endured as everything from a convent to flats; from an armoury to a mint during its lifespan. The grounds are resplendent with many jewels like the Presbytery of Saint Frances, Chapel of Virgin Mary, and the quiet highlight of them all, the Church of Saint Salvator. The church represents a true gem of Czech architecture and features tributes to Christ the Redemer as well as Saint Agnes and Bohemian kings.

The beautiful convent seems still to relish its role as a cloister and is mindful oasis of quiet and stillness in an otherwise hectic Prague 1. Visiting the grounds offers a breathless glimpse into a watershed time in Czech history while also artfully illustrating its post Agnes history and many artifacts and examples of artistry relevant to the abbey. Mid afternoons and late mornings offer the best time to enjoy the grounds with minimal chatter and crowds. A silent step into the once busy workrooms and chapels seems to disrupt the reverent solitude that has brushed this special location as one may disturb a mixture of sandy water.