Plasy

Plasy is a small town in the Plzeň Region in western part of the Czech Republic, lying on the spectacular river Střela. It is famous for its huge Cistercian monastery founded in 1144, which was rebuilt between 1661 and 1739 under the guidance of J. B. Mathey and J. B. Santini and became an important center of Baroque art. After Emperor Joseph II abolished nearly all religious orders, the monastery became the seat of the Princes of Metternich.

Today, the monastery is owned by the state and it is in a rather bad state though it is being slowly restored (and remains opened to public). There are also some regional archives placed there. No important industry is located in the town. It is, with it scenic surroundings, an important touristic center.