Clementinum in Prague – photo, opening hours, how to get there, map
Prague is a real treasure trove in terms of medieval architectural masterpieces. However, among them there are those that stand out even against the background of such an incredible diversity. One of the gems of the Czech capital is a whole complex of baroque buildings, which today house the National Library of the Czech Republic, a small museum and a concert hall.
History of Clementinum
The history that began in the 11th century is like a reflection of a variety of events that took place in Prague. Initially, there was a small chapel in honor of St. Clement on this site, hence the name. Gradually, a whole monastery formed around it – a haven 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 soon they returned and their influence became even stronger. And along with it, the significance 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 significance of the Jesuit order increased, and with it the treasury grew rich. The lands around Clementinum were bought up, the territory grew, more and more luxurious Baroque buildings 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.
Baroque Library
The Clementinum Library is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Created in 1722, it has hardly changed – 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 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, access to them is very difficult to obtain – this requires special permissions.
Opening hours and ticket prices
Currently, the Clementinum is under restoration (tentatively until 2019), only the Hall of Mirrors 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 (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 still unknown. The cost of the tour was 220 crowns for an adult, 140 for students. There were also family season tickets worth 500 crowns. Perhaps, after the completion of the 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 5, near 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.