Klementinum

Near Charles Bridge in Prague’s Old Town, the Klementinum is a former Jesuit college and a large historic complex that now houses much of the Czech National Library. Its guided tour visits the Baroque Library Hall, the Meridian Hall and the Astronomical Tower. From the library doorway, look up at the ceiling frescoes and across the antique globes and wooden shelves; visitors cannot walk among the books. The climb ends with broad views over Prague. Book ahead if you want a choice of tour times, and expect narrow stairs on the way up.

A Jesuit college in Prague’s Old Town

The Klementinum stands near Charles Bridge and is one of the major historic complexes in Prague. Jesuits established themselves here in the 16th century, and the site expanded over the following centuries to include a school that later became a university, a library and scientific institutions. Today, much of the complex is occupied by the Czech National Library.

The buildings bring together Baroque and Rococo interiors. A guided visit focuses on several rooms rather than covering the whole complex, so it gives a close look at selected parts of its history and architecture.

The Baroque Library Hall

The library hall opened in 1722. Its painted ceiling frescoes, attributed to Jan Hiebl, sit above ornate wooden bookcases and antique globes. The collection includes tens of thousands of historic books and printed works. Among the items associated with the library are writings by Johannes Kepler bearing a handwritten dedication to university colleagues.

Visitors see the room from its entrance, not by walking between the shelves. The guide opens the view for a short time, giving the group a chance to look into the hall. This arrangement protects the historic collection and the room. The library is a highlight of the tour, but the visit also continues to other parts of the complex.