Zbraslav between the Chateau, Havlín and the Way of St. James

Zbraslav Chateau represents a history reaching back to 1292. At the same time, the site is interesting not only because of its monastic foundation, but also because it has been designated a national cultural monument since 1995. Visitors interested in architecture and historic religious buildings will find further specific points of interest in Zbraslav.

The Husův sbor in Zbraslav was created between 1938 and 1939 by converting a former aristocratic granary. It was based on a design by the architect Stanislav Vachata. The building has a 30-metre-high tower topped by an octagon with a symbolic chalice. These architectural features give the building a clearly recognizable profile, while its history is not limited to a single era.

The Husův sbor also houses a portable Renaissance altar. It was originally created for the Church of St. James in Zbraslav.

Havlín hill is significant not only as an archaeological monument. Karlův stánek, a brick-built viewing pavilion, stands on the hill. Its location makes it an independent destination within Zbraslav’s local and landscape attractions. Since several paths lead easily up to Havlín directly from Zbraslavské náměstí, this area can be included in an exploration on foot.

On Havlín hill, near the Church of St. Gall, the glass altar Skleněný oltář is located in a former ossuary. The work by the artist Vladimíra Tesařová was installed in December 2021. During the cemetery’s opening hours, the altar can be viewed from outside through a barred window. This form of viewing is important for your planning: access is not provided as a visit to the former ossuary, but through the view from the window.

The Way of St. James follows the Vltava River to Zbraslav. In addition, the route passes through Zbraslav with a stop at the local Church of St. James the Greater.

The Zbraslav parish is happy to issue a church stamp to pilgrims travelling to Compostela.

The chateau park provides a different emphasis. The preserved promenade terrace lies above a side branch of the Berounka, while other parts of the park were designed in the English style.

The interior spaces of Zbraslav Chateau are currently not open to the public. This should be taken into account when planning a cultural stay.

When choosing a hotel in Zbraslav, you can therefore first determine which local attractions are the focus of your trip. For one focus, the chateau park and the sculpture collection of the National Gallery are key; for another, Havlín hill with Karlův stánek and the glass altar. Those following the Way of St. James, on the other hand, will incorporate the route along the Vltava, the stop at St. James the Greater and the possible church stamp into their own planning. The accommodation decision should be based on this specific visit plan, without assuming unverified access to the chateau interiors.

If you would like to compare other places after Zbraslav, you can find Záběhlice, Prague 12, Čimice, Prague 8, Prague-Troja, Hostavice, Dolní Počernice and Kunratice here.

What is Karlův stánek?

Karlův stánek is a brick-built viewing pavilion on Havlín hill.

Where is the glass altar Skleněný oltář located?

The glass altar Skleněný oltář was installed in the former ossuary near the Church of St. Gall on Havlín hill. It was created by the artist Vladimíra Tesařová and installed there in December 2021.

Can the glass altar be viewed?

Yes.

What significance does Zbraslav have for the Way of St. James?

The Way of St. James follows the Vltava River to Zbraslav and passes through the town with a stop at the local Church of St. James the Greater. The Zbraslav parish is happy to issue pilgrims travelling to Compostela a church stamp.

For the higher-level travel overview: Prague.