{"id":660,"date":"2024-06-26T20:00:40","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T20:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/praguetouristinformation.com\/?page_id=660"},"modified":"2025-11-04T08:33:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T08:33:10","slug":"clementinum","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/praguetouristinformation.com\/en\/sightseeing\/old-town\/clementinum","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Clementinum: Attractions, History & Tours"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Clementinium was formerly a Jesuit college created out of an old monastery.<\/h3>\n

Today the Czech National Library is housed here.<\/p>\n

It is located right next to the Charles Bridge<\/a> on the right bank of the Vltava and covers a total area of over two hectares.<\/p>\n

In 1837 the world’s first Mozart memorial was built here.<\/p>\n

All important information about the Clementinium is collected here, including admission, its history and the address.<\/p>\n

What Can I See in the Clementinium?<\/h2>\n

1. Mirror Chapel<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

The imposing mirror chapel was completed in 1725. In the mirrored ceiling, the pattern of the floor becomes visible like a starry sky. Gilded stucco, painted ceilings and marble wall coverings complement the opulent interior. Classical concerts have been held here regularly since 1936.<\/p>\n

2. Astronomical Tower with Atlas Figure<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesuit monks set up an observatory on the almost 70 meter high tower, and meteorological measurements have been carried out here since 1775. At a height of 52 meters you can admire measuring instruments from the 19th century and enjoy the magnificent view of Prague. There is an elevator to the 3rd floor, then it’s 87 flights of stairs. Or you can go straight up the stairs, which have 170 steps.<\/p>\n

At the top of the tower stands an Atlas figure carrying a globe on its back.<\/p>\n

3. National Library<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

The premises that are now the headquarters of the National Library were completed in 1722. 60 years later, the Biblioteca Nationalis, containing a large collection of Czech literature, was established here. It is considered the forerunner of the National Library.<\/p>\n

In 1930 the building became the headquarters of the National Library of Czechs. The baroque library hall of the Clementinium houses over 20,000 historical books from a wide variety of eras.<\/p>\n

The room is a sight in itself with its frescoes and historically valuable globes.<\/p>\n

Guided Tours Through the Clementinum<\/h2>\n

The Clementinium is open all year round. For up-to-date visiting times, please see the official Clementinum area opening hours<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can also refer to this page<\/a> for admission and detailed information about tours.<\/p>\n

How Do I Get to the Clementine?<\/h2>\n

The Clementinium is located near the Charles Bridge in the Old Town of Prague<\/a> and is easily accessible by metro line A, Green Line, stop Starom\u0115stsk\u00e1.<\/p>\n

History as a Jesuit College<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

After Prague Castle,<\/a> the Clementinium is the largest building complex in Prague and one of the largest historical building complexes in Europe. It covers an area of over two hectares.<\/p>\n

The Jesuits came to Prague in 1556 at the invitation of Emperor Ferdinand. The emperor gave them the old, dilapidated Dominican monastery of St. Clement in which to settle and found a new college to compete with Charles University. Later the church of St. Clement gave the whole building complex its name.<\/p>\n

It was not until the middle of the 16th century that the order received funds to carry out renovation work and build new buildings. Today’s building complex was built between 1653 and 1726. It included 3 churches, 2 towers, schools, a library, a theater, a dormitory and a printing works. <\/p>\n

Emperor Ferdinand III. In 1654, caused the Clementinium to be merged with Charles University, to which it had previously been in competition.<\/p>\n

When the order was abolished in 1773, the monks had to leave the college and the monastery, and the building complex became state-owned.<\/p>\n

In 1837 the world’s first Mozart memorial was built here.<\/p>\n

Since 1930 it has been the headquarters of the National Library of Czechs, which stores over 6 million documents here. It also houses the Astronomical Institute of the Academy of Sciences.<\/p>\n

Contact<\/h2>\n