Why visiting the Minorite monastery in Stříbro is worth it

The Minorite monastery is the crown jewel of the town. It was founded in the 13th century. The building reflects centuries of religious and social change. You can see beautiful Gothic vaults in the cloister area. The monastery also houses the Municipal Museum. This makes it a central hub for Stříbro mining history and sights. Visiting this site helps you understand how silver wealth built the region. It is a quiet place perfect for photography and reflection. You can learn about the Visit Czechia national heritage programs here. The gardens around the monastery offer a lovely view of the river valley. It is an essential stop for any history enthusiast.

10 top things to do when visiting Stříbro

Before diving into the details, here are some quick picks for your trip. The monastery is the best overall sight. Families will love the mining museum. The river walk is the best free activity. Use this list to plan your perfect day in Stříbro.

• Best Overall: Minorite Monastery
• Best for Families: Mining Open-Air Museum
• Best Free Activity: Mže River Valley Walk
• Best Viewpoint: The Bridge Tower

1. Name: Minorite Monastery & Town Museum Type: sight Why go: It is the most significant historical building in town. You can see rare artifacts and religious art. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: North of the main square. Time: 1.5 - 2 hours. Cost: Modest entry fee. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the town square. Tip: Ask for the English guide leaflet at the desk.
2. Name: Renaissance Town Hall Type: sight Why go: It features incredible sgraffito decorations on the facade. It is one of the most beautiful town halls in Bohemia. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Masarykovo Square. Time: 20 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Located in the heart of the town center. Tip: Look closely at the detailed biblical scenes on the walls.
3. Name: Mining Open-Air Museum (Skansen) Type: experience Why go: You can see old mining machinery and locomotives. It brings the town's industrial past to life. Best for: Families and engineering fans. Where: On the banks of the Mže River. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small admission fee. Getting there: 15-minute walk down from the monastery. Tip: Check the open-air mining museum Stříbro visitor info for 2026 seasonal hours.
4. Name: Royal Adit Prokop Type: activity Why go: Go underground into a real silver mine. It is a cool and slightly adventurous experience. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Near the open-air museum. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate fee for guided tours. Getting there: Follow the signs from the river bank. Tip: Wear a light jacket as it is cold underground.
5. Name: Stone Bridge with Gate Tower Type: sight Why go: This rare bridge tower is a symbol of the town. It looks like something from a fairy tale. Best for: Sightseeing. Where: Over the Mže River. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to cross; small fee for the tower. Getting there: South of the town center. Tip: Climb the tower for a great view of the river valley.
6. Name: Koubek's Gate Type: sight Why go: It is part of the original medieval town fortifications. It shows how the town was once defended. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Western edge of the historic center. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the main square. Tip: This is a great spot for a quick photo.
7. Name: Hussite Bastion Type: museum Why go: This defensive tower now hosts an exhibit on the Hussite wars. It is small but very informative. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Near the town walls. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Cheap entry. Getting there: Walk along the fortification path. Tip: Check local signage for occasional weekend closures.
8. Name: Church of All Saints Type: sight Why go: It is a majestic church with a tall tower. The interior has impressive Baroque altars. Best for: Religious art fans. Where: Just off the main square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Visible from the town center. Tip: Visit during the day to see the stained glass.
9. Name: Mže River Nature Trail Type: nature Why go: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the water. The valley is lush and green in the summer. Best for: Hikers and dog walkers. Where: Along the river valley. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start at the stone bridge. Tip: Bring water as there are few shops by the river.
10. Name: Stříbro Square Sgraffito Houses Type: sight Why go: Besides the town hall, several other houses feature ornate designs. It creates a unique historic atmosphere. Best for: Casual strolling. Where: Masarykovo Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location. Tip: Grab a coffee at a local cafe to enjoy the view.

Planning your trip from Plzeň to Stříbro

Getting to Stříbro from Plzeň is very easy. The town is about 30 kilometers west of the city. You can take a direct train from the Plzeň main station. The journey takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day. This makes it one of the best nearby towns from Plzen to visit. If you prefer driving, take the D5 highway or local road 605. Parking is usually available near the monastery or the main square. Check the Plzeň Region official site for regional transport updates. Most sights are within walking distance once you arrive. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets.

Exploring the Stříbro mining history and sights

Mining is the reason Stříbro exists. The name of the town actually means "Silver." For centuries, miners pulled precious metals from the earth here. This industry funded the beautiful buildings you see today. You can see the evolution of mining technology at the local sites. The open-air museum is particularly good for seeing large equipment. Many visitors combine their trip with visiting Marianske Lazne from Plzen on a longer route. The town's layout still follows the medieval mining settlement pattern. Learning about the miners' lives adds depth to your visit. It is a story of hard work and great wealth. Make sure to visit the Prokop adit for the full experience.