The Franciscan library in Cheb originated with the reform of the former Minorite convent in the mid-15th century. Despite periods of decline, it remained the only library of a religious house in Cheb to survive in its entirety. Its holdings include over 160 manuscripts—17 of which are medieval—and around 470 incunabula, making it one of the largest early printed book collections among Bohemian religious houses. Notable features include chained books (libri catenati), unique bindings, and rare theological and devotional texts in Latin and German. After the dissolution of the convent by the communist regime in 1950, it was placed under state control. Following the restitution of church property in the 1990s, the monastery complex was returned to the Franciscans, who were no longer able to maintain their heritage. In 2006, the buildings were sold to the city of Cheb, and the book collection was sold to the National Library in Prague.
Repository: National Library of the Czech Republic
See manuscripts