Osek is notable for a Burgundian Gothic monastery, originally built as the three-nave "Church of the Assumption of Our Lady" between 1207–1220 in the style of a Roman Basilica, by Cistercian monks who first arrived in Osek in 1199. The monastery complex grew over time to become the economic and social hub of the region. It was rebuilt, in the top baroque style by the architect Octavius Broggio, from 1712 till 1718 when the interior of the monastery church was decorated with fresco paintings by Václav V. Reiner and a new convent, library and chapels were constructed. When first installed, its church organ was one of the largest in Europe. The chapter hall of the old convent features a unique Early Gothic reading counter, carved from stone with an ornate base in the shape of a knot, dated in 1240. Salesius Hill in Osek is an interesting "rock city" of huge quartzite blocks, pillars and fissures. This unusual topography has inspired work by artists such as the painter Jan Tichý. Parts of the film Anna proletářka were filmed on location in Osek and Osek railway station.
The medieval castleRýzmburk belonged to its founders, the powerful family from Rýzmburk until 1398; the ownership then shifted to the margraves of Meissen. It was one of the strongest fortresses in Bohemia and during the Hussite wars was considered impenetrable. During the wars the monastery was twice burned down. Much of the monasteries property was also sold by emperor Sigismund to fund further military expeditions against the Hussites.
Present
Today Osek is a known tourist destination in the region. Every year there is a festival where many of historical items are present for viewing and practically the entire town is transformed into a fair. In March 2007 the Czech Republic started selling stamps with a picture of the Osek monastery on it. In last few years the town has been undergoing intense maintenance and reconstruction to further increase tourism.
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Mario Feuerbach: Das Kloster Osek, der Wallfahrtsort Mariánské Radčice und die Zisterzienser. Entwicklungswege im böhmisch-sächsischen Grenzgebiet, Orte der tschechisch-deutschen Begegnung / Klášter Osek, Poutní Místo Mariánské Radčice a Cisterciáci. Dialog, Litvínov 2012,.
Mario Feuerbach: Die Maßwerkfenster des gotischen Kreuzganges im Zisterzienserkloster Ossegg. In: Monumenta Misnensia. Jahrbuch für Dom und Albrechtsburg zu Meißen, Jg. 12,, S. 54–68.
Mario Feuerbach: Das Zisterzienserkloster Ossegg und sein Wallfahrtsort Maria Ratschitz in der Zeit der Gegenreformation. Eine römisch-katholische Antwort auf Luthers Lehren. In: Marco Bogade : Transregionalität in Kult und Kultur. Bayern, Böhmen und Schlesien zur Zeit der Gegenreformation. Böhlau, Köln/Weimar/Wien 2016,, S. 263–272.
