Clementinum (Klementinum)
Namesti Marianske 5, Prague
Prague’s historic Clementinum is a vast complex of beautiful baroque and rococo halls. One of the largest building complexes in Europe, the halls were built from the mid-16th century to mid-18th century, originally as a Jesuit dormitory. The Clementinum is now mostly occupied by the Czech National Library.
Around 20,000 books and manuscripts, dating back to 1600, are in the baroque Library Hall, a masterpiece of 17th-century art with frescoes by Jan Hiebl. The Mirror Chapel, designed in 1724, is also rich in flamboyant baroque flourishes and serves as a venue for classical concerts. Climb the 172 steps to Clementinum’s Astronomical Tower, previously an observatory, for views of Prague and Vltava River. The site's two churches are further examples of baroque architecture.
Visits to the Clementinum are by guided tour only—and tours last around 50 minutes. Walking tours of Prague typically include a stop to look at the exterior. If you are short of time, a guided city tour is a great way to get a glimpse and see the sites quickly.
- 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.
The Clementinum is centrally located in Prague’s old town, within walking distance of major hotels and attractions including Charles Bridge. The closest Prague Metro station is Staromestska (served by line A), which is a 5-minute walk away. The closest tram stop is also Staromestska (served by trams 2, 17, and 18).
Starting at 10am, guided tours of the Clementinum run every 30 minutes, seven days a week. Closing time varies throughout the year but is generally in the early evening. There is often a long line to schedule a tour, so save time by booking a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
Tours of the Clementinum do not include visits to the Mirror Chapel, which is exclusively reserved for classical music concerts. So the best way to see the chapel is by attending one of these nightly performances, in which the 18th-century organs are played, including one that was played by Mozart. The concerts are popular and tickets are limited, so advance booking is required. There is no dress code for the concerts, but smart casual is typical.
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