The monastery was established in 1319 by Magister Kokoš Berzeviczy as part of a penance for a fatal duel.
The Camaldolese order, who inhabited the monastery starting in 1711, were strictly forbidden from speaking to one another.
A legendary figure known as Cyprian the Flying Monk lived here in the 18th century and is said to have constructed primitive flying wings.
The order's pharmacy was one of the most significant medical centers in the region during the 18th century.
Monks lived in individual small houses called eremitages rather than in a communal dormitory.
The monastery complex sits directly on the border between Slovakia and Poland.
Camaldolese monks were required to maintain a strict vow of silence and wore all-white habits.
The Red Monastery, known as Červený Kláštor, is a former Carthusian and later Camaldolese monastery located on the banks of the Dunajec River in the Pieniny Mountains. The museum displays preserved monastic living quarters, a church with vaulted ceilings, and pharmacy exhibits detailing the historical medicinal practices of the resident monks. Founded in the 14th century, the monastery gained its name from the red-glazed tiles originally used on its roofs. The site is a primary historical landmark of the Pieniny National Park. Extensive restoration has preserved the cloister layout and the distinctive architecture of the monk cells. It serves as a cultural hub documenting the region's religious history and the life of hermit monks. The museum grounds include traditional herb gardens once used for apothecary preparations.
The central cloister courtyard with the monastery tower in the background.
Pair your museum visit with a traditional wooden raft trip down the Dunajec River.
Bring comfortable walking shoes as the stone-paved courtyards and surrounding park area involve significant walking.
Allow extra time to walk to the nearby Slovak-Polish border bridge for views of the river gorge.
Do not attempt to cross the river into Poland without valid identification, as the border point is strictly monitored.
Museum exhibitions may have reduced access or closures during the winter off-season; check local signage for seasonal shifts.
Maintain a quiet tone while inside the monastic buildings and respect the historical nature of the chapel space.
