Klementinum is a complex of baroque buildings which was built by the Jesuit order in 1556. This order gave birth to the great work of art that we can enjoy up to now.
“The pearl of the city”; “The most impressing library in the world”; “The oldest Jesuit center of the city” – all these exclamations are right when it comes to Klementinum!
History of Klementinum
Originally there was a small chapel in honor of St. Clement. Gradually, the Dominican order formed a whole monastery around it. In the 16th century, the political and religious situation in Prague changed. Then the power came into the hands of the Jesuits. They turned Klementinum into the center of Catholicism.
In the XVII century, the Jesuits were expelled from Prague. But soon they returned with much stronger influence. Furthermore, it increased the importance of the complex also in the social life of the city.
Here appeared the library of Charles University and once the small chapel turned into a real Temple of Science.
Therefore, Klementinum owned more land, the territory expanded, and more luxurious baroque buildings appeared there. Over the years the complex was extended and renovated by many famous architects, artists and sculptors. Building and construction work lasted about 200 years. Hence the group of buildings got their final look.
What to do
Today Klementinum is the second biggest historical complex in the city after Prague Castle.
It includes such sights as:
- Mirror Chapel;
- Baroque Library Hall;
- Astronomical Tower;
- Meridian Hall;
- Churches and Chapels.
Besides, there are a lot of offices and reading-rooms in Klementinum. The entrance there is by passes and students IDs only. Let’s start our trip to Klementinum.
Mirror Chapel
The mirror chapel was built in 1720 and is dedicated to the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin. There you can see the combination of marble walls, floors, gilt ornaments of stucco moldings, colored plaster and ceiling frescoes. There is a ceiling also decorated with mirrors above your head.
The author of frescoes is Jan Hiblom. Each of the ceiling strips shows the quatrains from the prayer of the Mother of God. The murals created by Vaclav Lavrenty Rainer and depict the life of the Virgin Mary.
The Mirror Chapel is the only part of the Klementinum Historical and Architectural Complex which is open to visitors. Besides, every day there you can listen to classical and jazz music by the best Czech musicians.
Meridian Hall
The Prague meridian is a string throughout the room, and with the sunlight touch it signals the arrival of noon (12 a.m.). Some centuries ago it informed the Prague citizens about the approach of noon.
The signal was given by using special flags, after which went a cannon shot from the bastion of St. Magdalena. Such signal informed citizens on Prague up to 1928.
Now you can see copies of those signal flags at the top of the tower. On the walls of the hall you may see the original astronomical instruments and special tools.
Baroque Library Hall
Baroque Library Hall is the most famous place in the Klementinum. It is a home of the Czech National Library. Inside, there is a collection of over 20,000 books. In addition, some of them are dating back to 1600.
In the hall there is even a scent of old books and semi-darkness prevails.
Since its building in 1722 it practically had not serious changes. Visitors can see the organization of the depositories from distant times and feel the spirit of the XVIII century.
The baroque Library Hall gorgeously decorated with gilded carvings and a ceiling fresco. The architect was able to create the illusion of natural sunlight pouring into the space. On the centre of the hall you may see global maps of two kinds – geographical and astronomical.
Furthermore, the most famous and beautiful is such as at the entrance gate with constellation of stars on it.
Massive wooden shelves contain a huge number of books, including rare and even unique ones. The most valuable exhibits are located on the upper levels, far from prying eyes. In addition, here you can find both handwritten and first printed publications.
Unfortunately from January 2017 the Baroque Library Hall is closed. Due to the legal dispute with the administration of Klementinum there are no excursions.
Astronomical Tower
The second most valuable sight of Klementinum is an observatory in Astronomical Tower. It was built in 1722 and redesigned in 1751. Since 1775 and up to our time Klementinum performs regular metrological measuring.
The tower is 68 meters high. You can go 72 steps to the top and observe a magnificent view over the city. Moreover, there is an antique statue of the god Atlantis.
Most noteworthy, famous physicist and astronomer Kepler opened here his law of planetary motion.
Churches and Chapels
Also it is worth visiting churches and chapels included to the Klementinum complex. St. Clement is a magnificent Baroque structure since 1711–1715. There is an excellent acoustics for classical music concerts. The concerts are organized throughout the year.
Here you can enjoy listening to the original Baroque organ from the 18th century.
The Church of the Holy Savior appeared in the XVI century. Moreover, in the crypt of the functional church are buried members of the Jesuit order.
The Italian Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary – one of the first Baroque buildings in Prague (1590 – 1597). Fast-growing Italian commune built it and it is still Italian property. Sometimes you can meet different exhibitions within the walls of the Chapel.
Attractions
One more interesting thing that I recommend you to pay attention to is a sculpture “Swallow”. It has a rather simple but at the same time touching story. Once in Klementinum was the exhibition of students of Prague Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design.
A young polish sculptor Magdalena Poplawska displayed her work as well. It was a plastic statue of a little girl with paper swallow in the hand.
After the exhibition the participants took their works back. But only the girl with a swallow stayed there. Finally, the statue of a little girl kept living in Klementinum. Now you can see it on the outer cornice of the Hall of Services of the National Library.
Tourists are turning pale with fear as they think it’s a real child is sitting on the high ledge.
Work Hours and Prices
As I have mentioned it before, only two buildings are open for visitors: Mirror Hall and Astronomical Tower. But you can wander along the territory of the whole complex.
Work hours:
- January – February: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- March – October: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- November – December: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Entrance fee:
- Basic ticket: 300 CZK
- Reduced: 200 CZK
- Family: 900 CZK
How to get
The whole complex is situated in the district of the Old Town not far from the Charles bridge. As the territory of Klementinum is over two hectares there are several entrances.
One entrance leads from the Marianske Namesti. The second entrance is just by the St. Clement Church (it is on reconstruction now). Third entrance is on the Karlova street, right next to the “Ceska restaurace” restaurant.
You can get there by trams № 17 or 18 or by metro (line A) to Staroměstská station. Of course, Prague pleases us with pointers and indicates the direction to the sights. Thanks to them it is easy to find a way.
The starting point in both cases is the Charles Bridge. The museum is literally two steps away from it.
Hotels near Klementinum
Klementinum is located in the very heart of Prague Old Town. That is why it is one of the best areas to book a hotel near by. I sincerely recommend to have a look at the article, where I share the information about how to pick up the best location to stay in the Czech capital. And to save your time I compiled a list of the hotels and apartments close to the attraction we’ve discussed:
- Charming Prague Apartments At the Black Star;
- Clementin Old Town;
- Aurus;
- Charles IV Apartments;
- Stunning Old Town Apartment.
Plan you trip to Prague together with our local tour guides, who will show you around and introduce to the city of 100 spires.
