CZECH REPUBLIC – Prague, Strahov Monastery // Casino Royale (2006)

Sometimes the British House of Commons is right in the historic heart of Prague. And then even in a holy ground – like the Strahov Monastery.

Why Bond was here
James Bond (Daniel Craig) makes some ruckus down in Madagascar on a failed mission. Back in London, his boss M (Dame Judi Dench) later complains about him. She was summoned by her superiors and is later walking down a library in the House of Commons and talks to her assistant Villiers (Tobias Menzies). That library is not at the real Westminster Palace in London – but in the Strahov Monastery in Prague.

M at the Strahov Monastery

How you gonna get there
The Strahov Monastery is a well-known tourist spot in the Czech capital Prague. It is situated on the western side of the city at Strahovkské nádvorí. Close tram stations are Malovanka to the west and Pohořelec just down at the base of the Strahov Monastery. They are linked via Tram 22 to the city center. The monastery compound is based on a small hilltop, tiny steps lead the way from picturesque Pohořelec district.

Good to know
To get into the library, you have to purchase a ticket for 120 CZK at the monastery ground. And that’s not the whole deal. The ticket allows you to see parts of the library and the monastery collection – but doesn’t allow you access into the one room that was used for filming. You can only peek into it from the doorway.
To get access, you have to book a special group tour in advance. Either ask a tour operator in Prague for guided tours or mail the monastery management in advance. Tours can be full some weeks ahead, so organize your trip early.

We had some problems seeing the library at Strahov Monastery. Since you have to book your guided tour in advance, we wrote several mails to the monastery, but either got no response or just a decline. Finally, we were able to see the library, as we just went there by chance. But to be safe, keep the ruckus in mind, when you plan your trip.

© WikiCommons Moyan Brenn CC by 2.0 (1), © 2006 United Artists Corporation and Danjaq, LLC (2), HuntingBond (3)