Břevnov Monastery Brewery

Lore & Background

Břevnov Monastery was founded by the Prague Bishop St. Adalbert and Boleslaus II, Duke of Bohemia in 993, with the brewery established as part of its economic background. During the Hussite wars, the entire monastery, including the brewery, was almost destroyed. According to the monastery chronicle, a new brewery was built in 1720, with Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer particularly involved in the renovation and repairs. Annual production reached 5,000 hl. Beer production ended in 1889, mainly due to lack of cellar capacity, and the building was demolished when nearby Patočkova street was expanded in 1953. The St. Adalbert Břevnov Monastic Brewery was founded on the tradition of beer production in 2011, located in the baroque building of the former stables. Since 2016, beer brewed according to the same recipe and under the supervision of Břevnov Monastery brewery technologists is produced in the South Korean city Busan under the brand Praha 993. The beer is filled directly in the brewery into glass or PET bottles and barrels. Břevnovský Benedict is also brewed in the restaurant directly on the premises of the monastery and in a number of other Czech restaurants.

Reader's Guide

The Břevnov Monastery Brewery represents a direct link to the oldest documented brewery in the Czech Republic, with its monastic roots reaching back to 993. After centuries of interruption—including destruction during the Hussite wars, a rebuilding in 1720, and final closure in 1889—the brewery was revived in 2011 in the baroque former stables. Its significance lies in the continuity of tradition: the same recipe is used for beers produced both in the monastery and, since 2016, under license in Busan, South Korea, under the brand Praha 993. The brewery produces a range of beers under the Břevnovský Benedict label, including pale and dark lagers, wheat beers, ales, and stouts, with alcohol content from 4.2% to 8.5%. The Praha 993 line, brewed only in South Korea, includes a pale lager, wit, stout, and IPA. The brewery's beer is filled directly on site into glass and PET bottles and barrels, and is also brewed in the monastery restaurant and other Czech restaurants. This combination of ancient origin, modern revival, and international expansion underscores its role as a living heritage brand.

Did You Know?

• The Břevnov Monastery was founded in 993 by Prague Bishop St. Adalbert and Duke Boleslaus II.
• Beer production at the monastery ended in 1889 due to lack of cellar capacity.
• The brewery was revived in 2011 and is located in the baroque building of the former stables.
• Since 2016, beer under the brand Praha 993 is brewed in Busan, South Korea, using the same recipe.