Franciscan Monastery in Turnov

The Franciscan monastery in Turnov is a former monastic complex with the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, standing on the northeastern side of the town's main square, náměstí Českého ráje. Although the religious community that once lived here disappeared in the mid-20th century, the building remains one of the most recognizable historic landmarks in the center of Turnov.

When was the monastery founded?

The monastery was founded on 1 May 1651 by Maxmilián of Waldstein, then the owner of the Turnov estate. Construction of the church and the adjoining monastery took place between 1651 and 1655, entirely at the founder's expense. The new complex was built on land that had previously held ten older townhouses standing at the corner of the square. From the outset, the building was designed for a modest community — it was meant to house twelve friars.

How did the building change over the centuries?

The monastery did not remain unchanged after its construction. In 1684 it was enlarged with a new northern wing, expanding the original layout of the buildings. A fire in 1707 damaged part of the structure, and the damage was repaired during a subsequent rebuilding. Another disaster struck in 1803, when a fire seriously damaged the church. Its interior underwent a thorough renovation between 1822 and 1824, giving it much of the appearance it retains today.

Who lived in the monastery?

Throughout its existence, the community was made up of Czech friars. The convent was never large — in the early 19th century it typically consisted of only two or three priests along with one or two lay brothers. Despite its small size, the monastery remained a constant feature of religious and social life in Turnov for centuries.

Why did the monastery cease to operate?

The religious community was dissolved in 1950 as part of Action K (Akce K), a campaign carried out by the communist regime against monasteries throughout Czechoslovakia. The friars were forced to leave the building, bringing nearly three centuries of continuous monastic life at the site to an end.

What is the building used for today?

Today the former monastery serves practical, everyday functions — the covered cloister that once formed the monastery's courtyard now houses postal service counters open to the public. Despite this change of use, the overall shape of the building and the adjoining Church of St. Francis of Assisi have retained their historic character. The whole complex, together with the church, is listed as a protected cultural monument, which safeguards its historic fabric from further alteration.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the monastery located? On the northeastern side of Turnov's main square, náměstí Českého ráje, on the site formerly occupied by ten townhouses.

Who founded the monastery? Maxmilián of Waldstein, owner of the Turnov estate at the time, in 1651.

Can visitors still see inside the monastery today? The building now functions as a post office, so only the areas used for postal services, set within the former cloister, are accessible to the public — it is no longer an active monastic building in the traditional sense.

Which saint is the monastery church dedicated to? St. Francis of Assisi.

When did religious life at the monastery come to an end? In 1950, as a result of Action K carried out by Czechoslovakia's communist authorities.