Prague is a real treasure trove of medieval architectural masterpieces. However, there are those among them that stand out even against the background of such an incredible variety. One of the pearls of the Czech capital is a whole complex of Baroque buildings, which today houses the National Library of the Czech Republic, a small museum and a concert hall.
History of Clementinum
The history, which began in the 11th century, is like a reflection of the most varied events that took place in Prague. Originally on this site there was a small chapel in honor of St. Clement, hence the name. Gradually, a whole monastery was formed around it - the haven of 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 the Clementinum into the center of Catholicism. In the 17th century, the Jesuits were expelled from Prague, but soon they 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, 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): a mirror chapel, an observatory, a mathematical museum, a meteorological station and, of course, a luxurious library, which must be mentioned separately.
Baroque library
The Clementinum Library is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Created in 1722, it has hardly undergone any changes - visitors can see firsthand how the book depositories were arranged 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 Diebel, united by a common theme - science and art. For some similarity with church murals (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, access to them is very difficult - you need special permissions for this.
Opening hours and ticket prices
Currently, the Clementinum is under restoration (approximately until 2019), only the Mirror Hall is available for visiting, where concerts are periodically held. Before closing, 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 such a schedule will continue in the future is still unknown. The cost of the excursion was 220 kroons for an adult, 140 for students. There were also family passes worth 500 kroons. Perhaps, after the completion of the restoration work, something will change in this matter.
[leveltravel country = ”CZ” city = ”Prague”]
How to get there
The Clementinum complex is located in the center of Prague, at Marianske namesti building 5, not far from the 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 93 pass through it.
