City Library in Prague (Městská knihovna v Praze). National Library of the Czech Republic in Clementinum, Prague National Library Prague

Prague is a real treasure trove of medieval architectural masterpieces. However, among them there are those that stand out even against the backdrop of such incredible diversity. One of the pearls of the Czech capital is a whole complex of buildings in the Baroque style, which today houses the National Library of the Czech Republic, a small museum and a concert hall.

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The history, which began in the 11th century, is like a reflection of a variety of events that took place in Prague. Originally there was a small chapel in honor of St. Clement on this site, hence the name. Gradually, a whole monastery was formed around it - a refuge for the Dominican Order. In the 16th century, the political and religious situation in Prague changed dramatically and power passed into the hands of the Jesuits, who turned Clementinum into the center of Catholicism. In the 17th century, the Jesuits were expelled from Prague, but they soon returned and their influence became even stronger. And along with it, the importance of the complex increased not only in the religious but also in the public life of the city. The library of Charles University was moved here and the once small chapel turned into a real Temple of Science.

Gradually, the importance of the Jesuit order increased, and with it the treasury grew richer. The lands around Clementinum were bought up, the territory grew, and more and more luxurious buildings in the Baroque style were erected on it. Naturally, they were designed by the best architects of that time. At the same time, they managed to achieve amazing unity - the complex looks very harmonious. Several civil buildings of the 18th century have survived to this day (there were more than 30 of them in total): a mirror chapel, an observatory, a mathematical museum, a weather station and, of course, a luxurious library, which cannot but be mentioned separately.

Library in Baroque style

The Clementinum library is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Created in 1722, it has undergone virtually no changes - visitors can see with their own eyes how book depositories were structured in those distant times and feel the spirit of the 18th century. The walls and ceiling of the library are decorated with frescoes by Joseph Dibel, united by a common theme - science and art. For some similarity with church paintings (although, of course, a very relative similarity), it is often called the Temple of Wisdom. The center of the hall is decorated with huge globes.

On massive wooden shelves there is a huge number of books, including rare and even unique ones. The most valuable exhibits are located on the upper levels, away from prying eyes. Here you can find both handwritten and first printed editions. True, it is very difficult to gain access to them - special permissions are required for this.

Opening hours and ticket prices

Currently, the Clementinum is under restoration (tentatively until 2019); only the Hall of Mirrors, where concerts are periodically held, is accessible to the public. Before the closure, the complex worked according to the following schedule: from 10-00 to 20-00 in the summer season (from April to October), from 10-00 to 18-00 in November-December and from 10-00 to 16-00 in January -March. Whether this schedule will continue in the future is unknown. The cost of the excursion was 220 CZK for an adult, 140 for students. There were also family passes costing 500 CZK. Perhaps, after the completion of restoration work, something will change in this matter.

How to get there

The Clementinum complex is located in the center of Prague, at Marianske namesti building 5, near Charles Bridge. You can get to it by metro, the nearest station is Staromestska, or by tram - the stop is also called, routes 2,17,18 and night route 93 pass through it.

Every student or great lover of printed literature knows how valuable the ability to use state libraries is. Below we would like to say a few words about those in the Czech Republic, and explain how you can gain access to public libraries in Prague.

Městská knihovna - State Library

Národní knihovna České republiky – National Library of the Czech Republic

Národní technická knihovna – National Technical Library

Good afternoon, dear readers! Today we will talk about an unusual place. Our destination is Clementinum in Prague. An ancient Jesuit university and a magnificent museum. In fact, this is a whole complex of museums. They are united by service to Science and Art. Today the National Library of the Czech Republic is located here and classical music concerts are held. We will “examine” all the most interesting things.

Administrative zone Prague 1. Historical district.

A huge complex of buildings, very close to, is Klementinum. The gaze immediately catches the majestic building, decorated with turrets and sculptures. After passing through Prague's Stare Mesto district, you will reach the banks of the Vltava. This interesting medieval building is located here.

The Clementinum is a square structure with several courtyards. In size it is just a little short of Prague Castle. Remember - this is a whole complex, not just one building?

The history of Clementinum has always been connected with books. The Czechs have carefully preserved the tradition: today the National Library of the Czech Republic is located here.

It all started in the 11th century with the construction of a small chapel of St. Clement. Soon the Dominican Order built a large monastery around it.

For several centuries, monks collected books on theology, art and sciences here. The library contains the most valuable ancient publications and manuscripts.

In the 16th century, the building came into the possession of the Jesuit Order and became the first Czech College of Jesuits. Thus, the Jesuits strengthened the influence of the Catholic Church in the Czech Republic.

The Clementinum building housed a university that trained followers of the order.

The Clementinum became what we see today in the middle of the 17th century, when it was rebuilt and supplemented by two outstanding masters: Františok Kanka and Kilian Dinzinghofer.

At that time, few in the Czech Republic could compete with them in the art of architecture. Both architects are famous for their Baroque buildings.

By the beginning of the 17th century, the famous Charles Library from another Jesuit university, Carolinum, was transported to the Clementinum building.

The Order gained significant influence and became rich. Then the monks began to plant and improve the areas around the main building, buying land, gardens and churches.

Museum complex

Clementinum is a real temple of science and art. There are amazing buildings here, each of which deserves the attention of a tourist. Let's start the “inspection” with the famous Mirror Chapel.

• Built in 1724, the Chapel is a Baroque building decorated with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. This design is unusual for the early 18th century, but the architect skillfully combined mirrors and elegant designs on the ceiling.

“The chapel is used for musical events and concerts. Here you can listen to organ music.”

• The second attraction on the territory of the complex is the Astronomical Observatory of 1722, which was located in the astronomical tower.

Surprisingly, after so many centuries, it is still active. Observations of stars and planets take place here.

The famous physicist and astronomer Kepler discovered his law of planetary motion here.

• The first weather station in Central Europe also operated in the astronomy tower.
• The astronomical tower itself has recently been reopened after restoration. There is an observation deck on it. The height of the tower is 68 meters, and the views from it offer beautiful views.

• Since we're talking about astronomy, I'll give you another interesting fact: on the territory of the Clementinum there are several very accurate sundials. Scientists used their readings to observe stars.

• Another interesting place is the mathematical museum. This is a historical collection of calculation equipment used by medieval mathematicians and astronomers.

Here you will learn about the life and discoveries of the greatest mathematicians of the past, and even the century before last.

Library

The famous University Library of the Clementinum also became famous for its magnificent Baroque style. Without a doubt, this room is decorated more richly than any other in the entire complex.

On the shelves of the Temple of Wisdom, as this room is commonly called, hidden treasures of knowledge: ancient handwritten volumes and the first printed editions. The library stores thousands of priceless books. Many of them exist in a single copy.

The ceilings and walls are painted with frescoes by the artist Dibel. All paintings depict two pillars of knowledge: Art and Science.

Large antique globes also decorate the hall.

• There was a time when Clementinum received the honorary title of the third largest of the world's Jesuit colleges;
• One of the inhabitants of this place, the Jesuit Conias, “became famous”, he burned 30,000 volumes recognized as “heretical publications”;
• The order's countless treasures are hidden in the basements of the Kementinum;
• Arriving in Prague, the Jesuits brought with them only one single book. The entire library collection was collected later.

Plan diagram of the Clementinum

Entrances to Clementinum:

1. Main entrance to the Clementinum from Marian Square
2. Entrance from Charles Street
3. Entrance from Crusader Square. It is now closed.

Description and distribution of premises:

1 - National Library of the Czech Republic
2 – Baroque Hall of the Library
3 – Mirror Chapel
4 - 5 Astronomical Tower of St. Clement (St. Clement)
6 – Walnut Chapel
7 – Church of St. Salvator
8 – Vineyard with a fountain
9 - Křizhovnice corridor (today the Clementinum exhibition gallery).

Working hours

• In January and February: from 10:00 to 16:30;
• From March to October: from 10:00 to 19:00;
• In November and December: from 10:00 to 18:00.

Official site: www.klementinum.com

What is the price

• For adult visitors - 220 CZK;
• Family ticket: 500 CZK (1-2 adults + 1 to 3 children)
• Reduced ticket: 140 CZK (people with disabilities, children from 8 to 18 years old, students up to 26 years old) - you must present a document.
• Children under 7 years old free

• Those who bought the Prague Card receive a 25% discount.

Concerts at the Clementinum

The most famous concerts held in the Clementinum:

• Vivaldi: Seasons - concert (25 euros);
• Classical music in the Clementinum (25 euros).

There are others from time to time; you need to check the information on the official website. There are usually no problems with purchasing tickets, and the price is standard: 25 euros.

How to get there

• By tram No. 17, 18 and also No. 53 to the very center. Stop Staroměstská. From the stop you need to walk in a straight line, parallel to the Vltava. It's not far to walk, only 5-7 minutes. Of course, Prague pleases us with signs and directions to attractions. Thanks to them you won't get lost.
• By metro to Staroměstská station. It is located next to the tram stop; see above for how to get to Clementinum.

The landmark in both cases can be the Charles Bridge. The museum is literally a stone's throw away.

Entrances to Clementium:

• Karlova 1
• Mariánske nám. 5
• Křižovnická 190 – (entrance temporarily closed)

Address: Mariánské náměstí 190/5, 110 00 Prague

Clementinum on the map

Thank you for being with us during our walk through the Clementinum! We're off to explore Prague, but in the meantime, subscribe to our new articles. We still have many interesting stories in store for travel lovers.

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, is home to one of the most stunning libraries in the world: the Clementinum Library. The beautiful Baroque building was first opened in 1722. The Clementinum was once known as the third largest Jesuit college in the world.

Today the library occupies a huge area of ​​20,000 square meters and stores more than 22,000 rare books. When you step inside, it's not hard to see why this is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Amazing frescoes even cover the ceiling, and even the smallest detail of the interior is pure art. The frescoes on the ceiling were painted by Jan Hybl, who depicted allegorical motifs of education and portraits of Jesuit saints - patrons of the university and famous representatives of this order.


In addition to its unique interior, the library is rightfully proud of the rarest historical book collection. A small part of it was provided to Google for scanning, and is now available in the Google Books service to an even larger audience.






In fact, the Clementinum is a historical complex of buildings in Prague. Until recently it included the National University and the Technical Libraries, as well as the City Library. The Technical Library and the Municipal Library have been moved to the Prague National Technical Library since 2009. It is now used as the National Library of the Czech Republic. In 2005, the Czech National Library received the UNESCO JIKJI (Memory of the World) prize.