The Clementinum is a complex of historical buildings located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. It was formerly the seat of the Charles University, the Jesuit College, and the Imperial Library. Nowadays, it houses the National Library of the Czech Republic, which holds a collection of over 20,000 books, manuscripts, and globes. The Clementinum is also a remarkable example of Baroque architecture, with its stunning Chapel of Mirrors, Astronomical Tower, and Meridian Hall.
If you want to visit the Clementinum, you need to book a guided tour in advance, as it is not possible to explore it on your own. The tours are available in English or Czech and last about 50 minutes. The entrance fee is 300 CZK for adults and 200 CZK for students and seniors. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket office in Mariánské náměstí 5.
The Clementinum is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except on Sundays when it closes at 5:00 p.m. The last tour starts at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and at 3:30 p.m. on Sundays. The Astronomical Tower is open from April to October only, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
To get to the Clementinum, you can take the metro line A to Staroměstská station or the tram number 22 to Malostranská stop. The Clementinum is within walking distance from both stations, as well as from other attractions such as the Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge.
Some tips for visiting the Clementinum are:
- Respect the silence and do not use flash photography inside the library.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb some stairs to reach the tower.
- Enjoy the panoramic views of Prague from the tower and look for the fifteen sundials on the walls of the courtyards.
- Admire the frescoes by Jan Hiebl on the ceiling of the library and the organ that Mozart played in the chapel.
- Learn about the history and science of the Clementinum from your guide and ask questions if you have any.
The Clementinum is one of the most impressive and important cultural monuments in Prague. It offers a unique opportunity to see a magnificent library, a historic observatory, and a splendid chapel. It is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in art, literature, or astronomy.
