On cold and dreary days like this the Clementinum, one of the largest building complexes in Europe, is definitely a place to go. Located just off the Charles Bridge, the Clementinum offers a multitude of sights such as an astronomical tower and a Baroque library hall. The latter boasts intricate historical decorations as well as precious world globes and books while the former offers terrific views of the historical centre of Prague. The Clementinum is sure to leave a lasting impression on all of its visitors.
The National Library
The extensive complex of the Clementinum takes up an area of about 5 acres, making it the second largest building complex in Prague (after the Prague Castle) and one of the largest building complexes in the whole of Europe. Situated on the right bank of the Vltava very close to the Charles Bridge, the Clementinum could be considered a sanctuary of the Czech culture and learnedness. The history of the complex dates back to the 11th century although the most significant date in the history of the building complex is probably 1566. This is when the Jesuits transformed the existing monastery into a college.
The best way to discover the Clementinum are guided tours. These take you throughout the many beautiful rooms and areas of the complex. You can marvel at the breathtaking atmosphere of the Baroque library hall where over 20 thousand books – mostly foreign language theological publications – are kept. Books with whitened book spines and red marks have been kept here since the late 16th century. The interior of the library boasts intricate and incredibly beautiful frescos. And the dominant feature of the front of the hall is a portrait of Joseph II – it seems as if the former Habsburg Empire ruler watches over the hall and its visitors. The central section of the library offers a number of extremely rare geographical as well as astronomical world globes.
Magnificent views of Prague from the Clementinum Astronomical Tower
Arguably one of the most fascinating spots within the Clementinum grounds is its 68 metres high Astronomical Tower. Before you reach the tower gallery from which the beauties of the city of a hundred spires may be enjoyed you will stop by in the original observatory workroom. This is where you can take a look at some smaller astronomical, geophysical and meteorological machines from the 19th century. After all the Clementinum was one of the first places in the world where meteorological measurements were made. Daily temperature has been recorded here every day since 1775. And even if meteorology is not your passion, magnificent views of Prague that the tower offers will last forever in your heart.
The Meridian Hall was used to determine when the noon is
A guided tour of the Clementinum also takes you to a unique room called the Meridian Hall. This is where the people knew first that lunch time had come. The whole room used to be used as a camera obscura. A ray of sunlight came through a tiny hole up in the wall, falling on a string stretched on the floor. This served as a reliable indicator of the noon time, which was shortly signalled by waving a banner from the tower gallery, later by firing a cannon.
It is sometimes also possible to take a peek into the Mirror Chapel. This, however, depends on whether there is a concert or another type of event in progress. If not, visitors can marvel at the beautifully decorated interior with a large number of mirrors of all kinds.
The Clementinum is open daily including weekends and national holidays from 10am. The tours take 45 minutes and are offered, among others, in the English language. A ticket costs CZK 250, if you have Prague Card you are entitled to a 25% discount.
Opening hours:
Jan, Feb: 10am-4:30pm
March-May: 10am-6pm
Nov, Dec: 10am-5:30pm
The Břetislavka Residence team wish you a remarkable time discovering Prague.
