Every respectable list of "the most beautiful libraries in the world" will never be complete without Klementinum at the top of it. The phenomenal baroque library that seems like is sewn from the wishes of book lovers, is located near Charles Bridge and has a history dating back to the 16th century. Klementinum (also known as Clementinum) was established by the Catholic order Jesuits (Society of Jesus) in 1556.
With the time, the Jesuits start expanding their residence, a process that took place for almost 200 years and engenders a complex that is considered as one of the largest in all Europe. Each of the fantastic architects who were involved in the constructions left their mark on the complex that becomes one of the most stunning places in the whole world. The Jesuits used the place as a school from the start, however, in 1622 the school turned into a university.
With the time, the Jesuits start expanding their residence, a process that took place for almost 200 years and engenders a complex that is considered as one of the largest in all Europe. Each of the fantastic architects who were involved in the constructions left their mark on the complex that becomes one of the most stunning places in the whole world. The Jesuits used the place as a school from the start, however, in 1622 the school turned into a university.
As known, every university needs a library, and Klementinum was no different. Opened in 1722 and thrill the imaginations of so many until today, the library is absolutely mesmerizing. The library is decorated with amazing ceiling frescoes by Jan Hiebl and holds portraits of Jesuit saints and other notable figures in the order. Also, it is loaded with more than 20,000 invaluable books, geographical and astronomical globes made by the order followers, and marvelous astronomical clocks, mostly made by Jan Klein.
The place exhibits Vyšehrad Codex that is also known as Coronation Gospels. An 11th century illuminated Latin manuscript that is considered the most precious manuscript in the Czech Republic and labeled as a national cultural monument. Another main attraction in the complex is the Astronomical Tower with the statue of the mythological Atlas holding the celestial sphere above it.
The 68 meters tower was built in 1722 and grants access to a breathtaking view of Prague. The Jesuits have left at the end of the 18th century and leave a singular knowledge and legacy that is remembered generations and centuries after. Since 1930, the Klementinum is the National Library of the Czech Republic and true wonder that is a must-see.
The place exhibits Vyšehrad Codex that is also known as Coronation Gospels. An 11th century illuminated Latin manuscript that is considered the most precious manuscript in the Czech Republic and labeled as a national cultural monument. Another main attraction in the complex is the Astronomical Tower with the statue of the mythological Atlas holding the celestial sphere above it.
The 68 meters tower was built in 1722 and grants access to a breathtaking view of Prague. The Jesuits have left at the end of the 18th century and leave a singular knowledge and legacy that is remembered generations and centuries after. Since 1930, the Klementinum is the National Library of the Czech Republic and true wonder that is a must-see.
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Mariánské nám. 5, Staré Město, 110 00 Praha-Praha 1, Czechia
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