The Clementinum (Klementinum in Czech) is a historic complex of buildings in Prague. Until recently the complex hosted the National, University and Technical libraries; the City Library was also nearby on Mariánské Náměstí. In 2009, the Technical library and the Municipal library moved to the Prague National Technical Library at Technická 6. It is in use as the National Library of the Czech Republic. In 2005, the Czech National Library received the UNESCO Jikji prize (Memory of the World). Its history dates from the existence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Clement in the 11th century. A Dominican monastery was founded in the medieval period, which was transformed in 1556 to a Jesuit college. In 1622 the Jesuits transferred the library of Charles University to the Klementinum, and the college was merged with the University in 1654. The Jesuits remained until 1773, when the Klementinum was established as an observatory, library, and university by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. The National Library was founded in 1781 and from 1782 the Clementinum was a legal deposit library. In 1918 the newly established Czecho-Slovak state took over the library. Since 1990, it has been the National Library. It contains a collection of Mozartiana, material pertaining to Tycho Brahe and Comenius, as well as historic examples of Czech literature. The architecture is a notable example of Baroque architecture and Clementinum, covering 20,000 square metres, is the second largest complex of buildings in Prague after the Prague Castle. For several years before 2006, there was an ongoing debate on the possibilities of expanding the space for future library collections, as space in the current Clementinum buildings was expected to reach its limit by 2010. On Jan 10, 2006, the Prague authorities decided to sell the city-owned property located in the area of Letná near the Prague center, to the National Library. In Spring 2006, an international architectural design competition for the new building was put up. The architect who won the competition was Jan Kaplický, but the decision was overruled, so the Czech National Library is still waiting for its final project. Curiosities: • At one time the Clementinum was known as the third largest Jesuit college in the world. • The oldest weather recording in the area of the Czech lands started in Clementinum in the year 1775. The recording continues through the present day. • The Clementinum is mentioned in "The Secret Miracle" by Jorge Luis Borges. The main character has a dream of the library of Clementinum where the librarians look for God in the books of the library. One of the librarians says: God is in one of the letters of one of the pages of one of the four hundred thousand books of Clementinum. My fathers and the fathers of my fathers have looked for this letter; I myself have gone blind looking for it. So, a reader enters and delivers an atlas for the main character, saying that this atlas is useless. The main character opens the book at random, and find a map of India, touching one of its minimum letters and, then, finds God. • The Baroque library hall inside Clementinum is known for its beautiful interior, including ceiling artwork by Jan Hiebl.
Clementinum (Klementinum) Tours and Tickets
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The Clementinum (Klementinum in Czech) is a historic complex of buildings in Prague. Until recently the complex hosted the National, University and Technical libraries; the City Library was also nearby on Mariánské Náměstí. In 2009, the Technical library and the Municipal library moved to the Prague National Technical Library at Technická 6. It is in use as the National Library of the Czech Republic. In 2005, the Czech National Library received the UNESCO Jikji prize (Memory of the World). Its history dates from the existence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Clement in the 11th century. A Dominican monastery was founded in the medieval period, which was transformed in 1556 to a Jesuit college. In 1622 the Jesuits transferred the library of Charles University to the Klementinum, and the college was merged with the University in 1654. The Jesuits remained until 1773, when the Klementinum was established as an observatory, library, and university by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. The National Library was founded in 1781 and from 1782 the Clementinum was a legal deposit library. In 1918 the newly established Czecho-Slovak state took over the library. Since 1990, it has been the National Library. It contains a collection of Mozartiana, material pertaining to Tycho Brahe and Comenius, as well as historic examples of Czech literature. The architecture is a notable example of Baroque architecture and Clementinum, covering 20,000 square metres, is the second largest complex of buildings in Prague after the Prague Castle. For several years before 2006, there was an ongoing debate on the possibilities of expanding the space for future library collections, as space in the current Clementinum buildings was expected to reach its limit by 2010. On Jan 10, 2006, the Prague authorities decided to sell the city-owned property located in the area of Letná near the Prague center, to the National Library. In Spring 2006, an international architectural design competition for the new building was put up. The architect who won the competition was Jan Kaplický, but the decision was overruled, so the Czech National Library is still waiting for its final project. Curiosities: • At one time the Clementinum was known as the third largest Jesuit college in the world. • The oldest weather recording in the area of the Czech lands started in Clementinum in the year 1775. The recording continues through the present day. • The Clementinum is mentioned in "The Secret Miracle" by Jorge Luis Borges. The main character has a dream of the library of Clementinum where the librarians look for God in the books of the library. One of the librarians says: God is in one of the letters of one of the pages of one of the four hundred thousand books of Clementinum. My fathers and the fathers of my fathers have looked for this letter; I myself have gone blind looking for it. So, a reader enters and delivers an atlas for the main character, saying that this atlas is useless. The main character opens the book at random, and find a map of India, touching one of its minimum letters and, then, finds God. • The Baroque library hall inside Clementinum is known for its beautiful interior, including ceiling artwork by Jan Hiebl.
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- Home to some of the city’s most impressive baroque architecture, the Clementinum is a must-visit for lovers of the arts.
- Conservatively dressed visitors are welcome to attend church services.
- Only some parts, including the ground-floor Mirror Chapel (where concerts are held), are wheelchair accessible.
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For Individuals with Hearing Loss
- Video Guide
- Hearing kits
- Speech To Text
Access for Seniors
- Distance from drop-off location to entrance: Less than 20 m
- Recommended time for visit 1 hour
- Recommended time for visit 2 hours
- Physical difficulty level - 3
Accessibility for wheels
- Special Parking
- Access with Portable Ramp
- Accessible elevator
- Easy without assistance
- Step-Free
- Wide doors >= 75 cm and < 90 cm
- Accessible Toilet
Access for Visually Impaired
- Braille description
- Audio Guide
- Place has Special Guide Service
- Service animals permitted
- Touch Gallery
As you step into the historic Clementinum in Prague, you are immediately enveloped by a sense of timelessness. The ancient stone walls seem to whisper secrets of centuries gone by, and the wooden floors creak softly beneath your feet, adding to the atmosphere of mystery and intrigue.
The soft glow of the sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows casts colorful patterns on the polished surfaces, creating a kaleidoscope of hues that dance and shift with each step you take. The air is thick with the scent of old books and ancient manuscripts, the musty aroma tinged with a hint of something sweet and earthy, like the scent of freshly turned soil in a forgotten garden.
As you wander through the labyrinthine corridors, you come across a hidden alcove filled with delicate ferns and flowering plants, their leaves brushing against your skin as you pass. The gentle rustling of the leaves is accompanied by the distant sound of birdsong, creating an ethereal symphony that seems to resonate deep within your soul.
You find yourself drawn towards a secluded courtyard bathed in dappled sunlight, where a marble fountain glistens in the center, its waters sparkling like liquid diamonds. The cool breeze carries the faint scent of lavender and roses, mixing with the sound of trickling water to create a sense of serenity and peace that washes over you like a soothing balm.
In the distance, you hear the haunting strains of a violin, the music echoing off the ancient walls and filling the air with a sense of longing and melancholy. The mournful melody tugs at your heartstrings, evoking a mix of sorrow and beauty that leaves you breathless and teary-eyed.
As you make your way back through the Clementinum, you feel a profound sense of connection to the past and to all those who have walked these halls before you. The weight of history hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the faint scent of incense and the soft murmur of distant voices, creating a tapestry of emotion and memory that stays with you long after you have left this enchanted place.
The Clementinum (Klementinum) in Prague offers audio guides for visitors with visual impairments. These guides provide audio descriptions of the various rooms and exhibits within the complex.
As for sensory-friendly hours, it is recommended to contact the Clementinum directly to inquire about any special accommodations or sensory-friendly times for visitors with sensory sensitivities. They may be able to provide information on quieter times to visit or any additional support that may be available.
Located in the heart of Prague, Clementinum is a cultural and architectural gem that has captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike. Here are some local insights and experiences from writers and artists who have been inspired by this historic landmark:
1. David, a local writer, describes Clementinum as a treasure trove of history and inspiration. He often visits the Baroque library, which houses over 20,000 rare books and manuscripts, for research and writing. "Being surrounded by centuries-old books in such a beautiful setting never fails to spark my creativity," he says.
2. Martina, a painter, finds inspiration in the stunning astronomical tower of Clementinum. "The views from the top of the tower are breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset. I love capturing the play of light and shadows on the spires and rooftops of Prague from up there," she explains.
3. Jan, a musician, appreciates the acoustics of the Mirror Chapel at Clementinum. "I have performed music concerts in the Mirror Chapel several times, and the sound quality in this historic venue is exceptional. The ornate decorations and atmosphere create a unique setting for a memorable musical experience," he shares.
4. Eva, a photographer, enjoys capturing the intricate details of Clementinum’s architecture. "The elaborate Baroque facade, the grand courtyard, and the elaborate stucco decorations inside the buildings offer endless opportunities for striking photographs. It’s a photographer’s paradise," she says.
5. Tomas, a historian, emphasizes the significance of Clementinum in Prague’s cultural heritage. "Clementinum is not just a beautiful architectural complex, but also a symbol of Prague’s intellectual and spiritual legacy. It has played a key role in preserving the city’s history and traditions for future generations," he reflects.
Overall, Clementinum holds a special place in the hearts of locals, who appreciate its historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural importance. Whether writers, artists, musicians, historians, or photographers, the residents of Prague find endless inspiration and fascination in this iconic landmark.
### Clementinum (Klementinum), Prague: Directions and Transportation
#### Public Transportation:
- Metro: The closest metro station to Clementinum is Staroměstská (Line A). From there, it’s just a short walk to the complex.
- Tram: Trams 17 and 18 stop at Staroměstská, and trams 2, 17, and 18 stop at Karlovy lázně, which is also nearby.
- Bus: Buses 133 and 207 have stops within walking distance of Clementinum.
#### Accessibility:
- Clementinum is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps and elevators in place for visitors with mobility impairments.
- Visitors with disabilities can also contact the venue in advance to arrange for any necessary accommodations.
### Clementinum (Klementinum), Prague: Ticket Booking and Discounts
- Tickets for Clementinum can be purchased online through their official website or at the ticket counter on site.
- Various discounts are available for students, seniors, and families.
- It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues.
### Clementinum (Klementinum), Prague: Local Amenities
#### Parking:
- Limited street parking is available near Clementinum, but it can be challenging to find a spot.
- The closest paid parking facility is at Rudolfinum Parking Garage, a short walk from the complex.
#### Restrooms:
- Restrooms are available within the Clementinum complex for visitors to use.
- They are wheelchair-accessible as well.
#### Dining Options:
- There are several cafes and restaurants in the vicinity of Clementinum, offering a range of cuisines to suit different dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some of the eateries nearby.