1. Initialization
The Clementinum, also known as the “Klementinum” in Czech, is the second-largest building complex in Prague after Prague Castle and one of the largest in all of Europe. It has long been a vibrant hub for learning and culture. The National Library, which houses numerous extraordinarily priceless manuscripts and volumes, is among the many historic structures that make up this sizable complex, which is stretched across an area of land that is roughly two hectares.
The second-largest historical building complex in Prague is called Clementinum.
The Prague Clementium is one of the most beautiful sights in the capital of the Czech Republic, spanning across the streets of Karlova and Kovnická and facing Mariánské námst square with its main frontispiece. It also holds significant historical, educational, and cultural significance for all Czechs.
2. Facts and History
The Clementinum has a long and rich history, and it continues to be a respectable educational and cultural hub for Prague and the entire Czech Republic today. The Jesuits, men who belong to the Catholic Church’s Society of Jesus monastic order, founded the complex in 1556. The complex was first expanded by the Jesuits in the 17th century, a process that took more than 170 years. As a result, the complex of buildings features a wide variety of architectural styles.
In the Clementinum, the Jesuits built a school, a library, a pharmacy, a theater, and of course, a religious facility. The Charles-Ferdinand University, which was established in the Clementinum after the Jesuit order was disbanded in 1773 and its members were forced to leave, was combined with the famed Charles University in 1654. The Clementinum was chosen as the National Library’s new home in 1930.
3. The Clementinum Complex’s structures
Czech Republic’s National Baroque Library
The main library of the nation is the National Library of the Czech Republic, which is located in the nearby Baroque Clementinum building. With the exception of privately owned libraries, it is overseen by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, and its book collection contains all books, manuscripts, and other publications printed in the Bohemian region from 1807. There are also many older records, the earliest of which are first-century Greek papyri.
Opened in 1722, the National Baroque Library (photo credit Clementinum.com)
In 1722, the National Baroque Library first opened its doors (source: klementinum.com).
One of the largest and oldest libraries in Europe, the National Library holds and makes available more than six million documents. Its stunning Baroque library hall was constructed in 1722 and is embellished with amazing fresco murals with themes related to science and art. These include a portrait of Peter Canisius, the founder of the Czech Jesuit province, and a painting of the Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II (“Josef II.” in Czech), who gave the library collections taken from the abandoned abbey libraries.
The Jesuits’ incredible collection of globes can be found in the middle of the Baroque library hall. The Vyehrad Codex is likely the most eye-catching artifact in the collection; a copy of it is shown as part of the library’s guided tour. One of the most priceless manuscripts ever is the Latin Coronation Gospel Book, which is worth an estimated 40 million euros.
The Observatory Tower
The 68-meter Clementinum Astronomical Tower
68 meters high is the Clementinum Astronomical Tower.
You most definitely do not want to miss the magnificent Astronomical Tower at the Prague Clementinum. It was initially constructed in 1722 by the Jesuits, then it was restored in 1751. The tower was given astronomical equipment during the reconstruction, and as a result, the Clementinum has performed routine meteorological measurements since 1775. The Astronomical Tower is 68 meters tall, with 72 stairs leading up to the top, and has a statue of the god Atlantis in the center of its dome. The tower provides a stunning view of Prague’s Old Town.
Mesonet Hall
Above the Baroque Library Hall on the second floor is Meridian Hall. It was employed for measurement, computation, and noon determination. When the sunlight strikes a string that runs the length of the room—basically a Prague meridian—it marks the beginning of noon (12 a.m.). In 1928, the time of noon was once again determined.
Along with the noon string, Meridian Hall’s southern and northern walls have a few astronomy instruments. The angular separation between objects in space and their height above the horizon were measured using two wall quadrants.
Chapels and Churches
The Jesuits established the Clementinum complex, thus it is only natural that it has some great religious structures. Intriguingly, the Cathedral of St. Clement, a Baroque cathedral constructed between 1711 and 1715, blends a straightforward facade with an extremely ornate interior. The church’s most notable attractions are a painting by Petr Brandl and sculptures by renowned Matthias Braun.
The major church of the Jesuits, the Church of the Holy Savior, was constructed in the 17th century and astounds with its lovely dome embellished with magnificent stuccoes. Probably its most intriguing landmark is the Italian Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It was constructed for the use of Italians residing in Prague between 1590 and 1597.
Reflection Chapel
The Mirror Chapel, which was created in the 18th century and is arguably the most magnificent component of the Clementinum complex, astounds visitors with its abundance of mirrors that are inlaid in the walls and ceiling and reflect the marble floor. The mirrors widen the chapel’s space and symbolize God’s eternities, while the star-shaped floor decorations are meant to evoke the sky’s stars. The chapel contains two pipe organs, numerous priceless artworks, and ceiling frescoes that provide a depiction of the Ave Maria prayer and were painted by Jan Hiebl. Today, the church is the site of several musical productions.
How can I find it? Location, a map, operating times, ticket prices, and admission
One can walk from Old Town Square or Charles Bridge to the sizable Clementinum complex. There are three entrances: one from Karlova Street, one from Mariánské námst Square, and the final one, which is now closed, from Kovnická Street.
5. Clementinum Hours of Operation, Admission Prices, and Tickets
Even on weekends, Clementinum is open daily at 10 a.m. Seasonal differences in closing time:
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in January and February.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March to October.
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in November and December.
Adult admission costs 220 CZK, a family pass costs 500 CZK, students and pensioners pay 140 CZK, and children under the age of seven are admitted free. Visitors who have a Prague Card are entitled to a 25% discount on the entrance price.
Please be aware that the only way to get there is to take a guided tour with a guide (learn more about this below). All of this is true for all Clementinum structures, including the Chapels, Meridian Hall, and Astronomical Tower.
6. Clementinum Tours Guided
UPDATE Unfortunately, due to the ongoing legal battle with the National Library of the Czech Republic, the Clementinum’s administrator, the guided tours for 2017 have been canceled. All structures, including the Mirror Chapel, the Baroque Library, and the Astronomical Tower, fall under this.
Depending on the destination, the admission prices and hours may vary. It is advised to benefit from one of the available guided tours. The tours run every day (including weekends) from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in January and February, 7 p.m. in March through October, and 6 p.m. in November and December. A full admittance ticket costs 500 CZK ($21.00) for a family or 220 CZK ($9.00) per person.
The tours are in English and last about 45 minutes. The Baroque Library Hall, Meridian Hall, and Astronomical Tower are among the places they take visitors. Direct ticket sales are available at the Clementinum front desk.
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