The abbey that survived much devastation
The abbey was founded by the beatified Hroznata at the beginning of the 13th century. Immediately after its founding, Premonstratensian sisters took up residency here. The fate of the abbey and its sisters, however, was anything but peaceful. First, the abbey was plundered shortly after it was founded. Then King Charles IV had it repaired, which saw it experience an economic and power boom. This didn’t last long, however. In the 1530s, it became a target during the Hussite wars, and later during the 30 Years’ War, the abbey was destroyed so much that it had to be completely rebuilt. In 1756, the four-winged structure we know today was completed.
Once again, its joy was short-lived. After a 26-year upswing, the abbey was closed. It then served as a boarding school for young girls led by the nuns, a ladies’ retirement home, and in the second half of the 20th century, it acted as the headquarters of the Czechoslovak army. It was then that the entire abbey complex was destroyed.
Legend of the immured nun
The abbey is also draped in cruel legends. One such story tells of a nun who met secretly with a Kladruby monk in a hidden corridor that supposedly ran between the Chotěšov Abbey and the Kladruby Monastery. However, their love was discovered and the nun was cruelly punished; she was immured behind a wall in the abbey. Luckily, she can’t haunt any visitors today.
Tours, exhibits, and cultural events
Today, the abbey belongs to the town, which is working towards its complete reconstruction. Despite the repairs, the abbey remains open to the public. Tours, exhibits, and other cultural events are held here. When taking the tour, you’ll discover the museum exposition on the abbey’s history and tour the church, the chapter hall, the fresco above the main stairway, the great hall, current exhibits, and the firefighters’ museum. The tour also offers three permanent exhibits: the exposition on architecture in models, the exposition with models of military vehicles, and the exposition of photocopies of paintings by Chotěšov native, architect, and painter František Xaver Margold.
You can also visit during any of the regularly held cultural events. The largest event, held here every year at the start of August, is the Evening for Chotěšov Abbey. Another favourite is the Chotěšov Wine Festival.
The abbey gardens and surrounding area
The southern garden is privately owned. The owners maintain it as a rest and meditation garden and forest park, and also as a place to keep animals. Here you’ll discover a rose garden, small wooden structures, and interesting works of art. Tours are available during cultural events or upon individual arrangement.
The flat countryside around Chotěšov is great for leisurely cycling trips. You can visit the observation tower at Křížový vrch or the town of Dobřany, only 7 km away.
