Location
Monserrat
Start Date
25-6-2026 11:30 AM
End Date
25-6-2026 1:00 PM
Description
This article examines the dynamics of historic monastic complexes as multifunctional religious spaces in the context of contemporary religious and cultural tourism, focusing on Strahov Monastery in Prague. The study recognizes that these historical sites currently operate in a complex field that intersects sacred tradition with the demands of the tourism market.
A key theoretical starting point is the need for a conceptual distinction between pilgrimage and religious tourism, as well as the difficulty of accurately capturing visitors' motivations. These motivations often fall within a spectrum that includes spiritual, cultural, and recreational motivations. In this context, the Strahov Monastery is approached as a characteristic example of a "shared sacred space”, where sacredness and tourist consumption coexist and are managed through processes of dialogue and balance.
The analysis focuses on the multifunctionality of the Strahov monastery complex in Prague. It highlights the coexistence of primary worship functions with high-value cultural infrastructure (such as the world-famous historical library and art gallery), as well as productive and tourist activities. Specifically, the study delves into the existence of the brewery, vineyards, dining areas, hotel, and souvenir shop. Particular emphasis is placed on the administrative organization of these activities, which combines uninterrupted monastic supervision with partnerships with private entities. This co-management model allows for the sustainable economic exploitation of the site without weakening its religious identity.
At the same time, comparative examples of European monasteries are presented, confirming that multifunctionality is a central strategy for sustainability and effective cultural management. In conclusion, it is argued that the successful exploitation of religious sites requires recognition of the heterogeneity of visitors and the maintenance of a delicate, functional balance between spirituality, authenticity, and tourism.
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Included in
C1) Authenticity, Multifunctionality, and Sustainability in Religious Tourism: The Case of the Strahov Monastery in Prague
Monserrat
This article examines the dynamics of historic monastic complexes as multifunctional religious spaces in the context of contemporary religious and cultural tourism, focusing on Strahov Monastery in Prague. The study recognizes that these historical sites currently operate in a complex field that intersects sacred tradition with the demands of the tourism market.
A key theoretical starting point is the need for a conceptual distinction between pilgrimage and religious tourism, as well as the difficulty of accurately capturing visitors' motivations. These motivations often fall within a spectrum that includes spiritual, cultural, and recreational motivations. In this context, the Strahov Monastery is approached as a characteristic example of a "shared sacred space”, where sacredness and tourist consumption coexist and are managed through processes of dialogue and balance.
The analysis focuses on the multifunctionality of the Strahov monastery complex in Prague. It highlights the coexistence of primary worship functions with high-value cultural infrastructure (such as the world-famous historical library and art gallery), as well as productive and tourist activities. Specifically, the study delves into the existence of the brewery, vineyards, dining areas, hotel, and souvenir shop. Particular emphasis is placed on the administrative organization of these activities, which combines uninterrupted monastic supervision with partnerships with private entities. This co-management model allows for the sustainable economic exploitation of the site without weakening its religious identity.
At the same time, comparative examples of European monasteries are presented, confirming that multifunctionality is a central strategy for sustainability and effective cultural management. In conclusion, it is argued that the successful exploitation of religious sites requires recognition of the heterogeneity of visitors and the maintenance of a delicate, functional balance between spirituality, authenticity, and tourism.