Trek to St. John Monastery Under the Cliff

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Yesterday's task specific functional trek was the toughest yet. The distance wasn't a big deal, but the 90 + degree weather was hotter than we have experienced to date, and much of the 22 km we walked required crossing steep ridges and valleys. Despite our sore quads today, the end was well worth the effort as we enjoyed a delightful visit to Svaty Jan Pod Skalou (St John Under the Cliff). We took a train to Karlstein, and from there walked through the forest across a number of steep ridges and gullies til we ended up at this amazing church and tiny hamlet nestled in a valley between sheer cliffs on 3 sides with a beautiful mountain stream running alongside. The history of the church dates back to the 7th century when a hermit monk, Ivan, settled in this area, living in the travertine caves beneath the current church building for over 40 years. We were able to visit the cave excavations which included part of the original monastery of the Benedictine order that followed...just fascinating!

Today's Sunday worship service was back to more traditional style as we attended St Clement's Anglican Church in Prague. Quite a contrast from the ornate cathedral we attended our first week here, and the natural cathedral we experienced last weekend...just another reminder that worship is supported by--but in no way constrained by--the setting.

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Photos

Compass check
But we still like to monitor the course with a compass check from time to time is a good idea

Coming into the valley
After a steep climb and even longer descent, we entered the valley of St John Under the Cliffs.

St John monestary
Beautiful church nestled in a tiny gorge surrounded by steep cliffs and travertine caves

St John bell tower
Check out that blue sky!

looking back at the tiny hamlet of Svaty Jan Pod Salou
Kept a secret during the Communist regime, this village with it's 1,000 year history has now been recognized as one of the most significant historical places west of Prague

The route out of town was a lot easier than the way in
We decided to follow the river for the 9 km walk back to the train station rather than climbing back out of the ravine by way of the red trail

walking beside the cliffs was easier than climbing over them
The weather was a lot warmer, but the road was much less strenuous walking beside the cliffs instead of up and over them

Comments

[Connie]

Remembering Karlstein & St Charles Bridge
I remember how much I enjoyed our visit to Karlstein when I was there with you several years ago. Cathie & I didn't venture out into the countryside nearly as far as you guys did on this trip however. As I recall, it was somewhat challenging just getting up the hill to tour the castle. Looks like your adventure was a pretty tough trek...but absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing the photos. These pics also take me back to St. Charles bridge - with great fondness; without a doubt the most impressive collection of religious statuary I've ever seen. My pack is currently weighing in at 16 lbs (w/ 1 bottle of water). Still need to trim some weight. Press on. Buen Camino!