The Klementinum is a former Jesuit college in the center of Prague Old Town, which houses one of the most beautiful historical libraries in the world. It is precisely to visit this unique Baroque library that large numbers of tourists flock to the Klementinum, eager to see not only this beautiful library, but also the concert halls where Mozart once played, or to view Prague from the observation deck of the Astronomical Tower.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about visiting the Klementinum.
What to see in Klementinum?
There is one visitor route in Klementinum, which takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and is accompanied by a local guide. During the tour, you will visit the following interesting places…
Klementinum library
The Baroque library in Klementinum is one of the most beautiful historical libraries in Europe and one of the highlights of Baroque art in Prague. It was built in the 18th century as part of the Jesuit complex and has retained its original appearance to this day, including its richly decorated interior with wooden shelves, globes, and a collection of approximately 27,000 mainly theological volumes.
The most attention is drawn to the monumental ceiling fresco by Jan Hiebl, depicting the symbolic journey of humanity towards knowledge, and also to the unique collection of historical astronomical and geographical globes.
Klementinum mirror chapel
The Mirror Chapel in Klementinum is one of the most impressive Baroque spaces in the entire complex, notable for its rich decoration and exceptional acoustics. The interior is decorated with gilded stucco, ceiling paintings, and large mirrors, which give the space a festive and almost illusory atmosphere.
The chapel was originally intended for worship and ceremonial occasions of the Jesuit order, but today it is mainly known as a concert hall, where classical music, especially the works of Mozart, is often performed.
Astronomical Tower
The astronomical tower in Klementinum is a prominent landmark of the entire complex and has been used for astronomical and meteorological observations since the 18th century. From its top, the position of the stars, the movement of the Sun, and weather developments were observed, and it was here that one of the longest continuous series of meteorological measurements in the world began.
The tower is topped with a statue of Atlas carrying the celestial sphere and today offers visitors a unique view of the historic center of Prague.
Meridian Hall
The Meridian Hall is located on the second floor of the Astronomical Tower, where historical astronomical instruments are now on display.
Its main feature is a brass line embedded in the floor, through which a ray of sunlight passed at noon, penetrating through an opening in the roof and thus allowing the moment of true noon to be determined. This simple but very accurate principle was key to calibrating clocks and conducting long-term meteorological observations, which have been carried out continuously at the Klementinum since 1775.
Klementinum tickets
If you want to visit the most beautiful parts of Klementinum, such as the library or the astronomical tower, you must take a guided tour. Tours are available in Czech or English.
Book your tour in advance on theColloseum website.
Tickets are usually sold out several days in advance. The basic ticket price is CZK 380.
Klementinum opening hours
The Klementinum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day, but guided tours usually take place every hour or two starting at 11:00 a.m.
Klementinum concerts
The Mirror Chapel also regularly hosts concerts that you can attend. Currently, you can choose between two concerts:
- Classic Spectacular – A concert of classical music by Beethoven, Verdi, Vivaldi, and others performed by the Royal Czech Orchestra.
- The Four Seasons, Imperial Concert & Chopin – Excerpts from famous musical performances will be played by experienced Czech musicians.
There is also a Classic Spectacular concert in the Church of the Holy Savior, which is part of the Clementinum (not in the Mirror Chapel).
You can reserve tickets for the concerts at the links above, and depending on the seat location, you will pay CZK 700, 850, or 1,000.
How to get to Klementinum?
The Klementinum is located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town, so it is best to walk here from most of the sights. If you are coming from more distant parts of Prague, you can use the following means of transport:
- tram – Karlovy lázně stop – a large number of trams from different parts of Prague run to this stop
- metro – Staroměstská stop – take the green line A to the nearest metro station
To find the fastest connection by public transport, I recommend using the IDOS app or website.
Accomodation near Klementinum
Accommodation in the center of Prague is usually more expensive than on the outskirts of the city. Thanks to public transport, you can easily get anywhere. If you still want to stay near Klementinum, I can recommend the following accommodations:
- Best Spot Hostel – cheap but shared accommodation in the center of Prague
- Hotel Karlova Prague – a beautiful and comfortable hotel just a few steps from the entrance to Klementinum
History of Klementinum
The Klementinum grew from the Middle Ages on the site of the original Church of St. Clement, where the Dominicans settled in the 13th century and built an extensive monastery complex. It soon became an important spiritual and educational center in Prague – a monastic school operated here, and the monastery hosted important political negotiations, courts, and assemblies of the nobility. In the 14th century, it was one of the largest ecclesiastical institutions in the Czech lands and played a significant role in the university and public life of the city.
However, tensions before the Hussite Wars and resistance to the Inquisition brought about the monastery’s decline. After the outbreak of the wars, the complex was destroyed in 1420, the monks were killed or dispersed, and restoration took place only to a limited extent. In the following decades, the once extensive complex gradually fell into disrepair, part of the land was sold off, and after the collapse of the church tower in the second half of the 15th century, the Dominicans left the site for good.
A major turning point came in the mid-16th century, when the Jesuits took over the complex. They established their main college in the Czech lands here and, over the following decades, significantly expanded and rebuilt the Klementinum. An extensive Baroque complex was created with churches, chapels, colleges, a library, and scientific workplaces, which served education, science, and spiritual administration. The Jesuits developed university studies here, operated a printing press and a pharmacy, and devoted themselves to astronomy and meteorology.
After the abolition of the Jesuit order in 1773, the Klementinum passed into the hands of the state and gradually transformed into a center of education and culture. It housed a university, an art institute, and a library.
What to see around Klementinum?
The Klementinum is located in the heart of Prague’s historic center, so you can combine your visit with a tour of many other places. Right next to the Klementinum is Mariánské náměstí (Marian Square). This is also home to the Prague Municipal Library, which includes the famous infinity book tower.
If you head from the Klementinum to the other side, you will come directly to the famous Charles Bridge.
