A Baroque Tour Around The Klementinum
Dive into the miracle interior of the historic buildings' complex of The National Library - one of the most beautiful libraries in the world
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The National Cultural Monument
The Klementinum is one of the most significant structures of historical Prague. The beginnings of its construction are connected with the arrival of the Jesuits (1556), who built a college that is considered one of the largest Baroque building complexes in Europe.
The main construction period of the Klementinum (1578 - 1726) is associated with many renowned architects of the time, including Marco Fontana, Giovanni Domenico Orsi, Domenico Bossi, Giovanni Bartolomeo Cometa, František Maxmilián Kaňka, and Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer.
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No less famous are the names of artists who participated in decorating the interiors: Petr Brandl, Matyáš Bernard Braun, Jan Hiebel, Ignác Raab, Kryštof Tausch, Josef Kramolín, Václav Vavřinec Reiner.
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A visit to the Baroque Library Hall, the Astronomical Tower or the Mirror Chapel, where classical concerts are regularly organised, is an unforgettable experience.
The Baroque Hall
It was built in 1722 by Kilián Ignác Dienzenhofer and is decorated with frescoes by John Hiebel on the theme of science and art.
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The illusory painting of the dome symbolizes the Temple of Wisdom from Greek mythology, the sides are decorated with medallions of important Jesuits.
The Baroque Library (2023)National Library of the Czech Republic
According to legend, the Jesuits had just a single book with them when they arrived in Prague, but when the library was finished it had 20,000 volumes.
The Mirror Chapel
The chapel, originally consecrated to the Annunciation of Our Lady, was later given its present name because of the unusually copious use of mirrors in its decoration, not only on the walls but also on the vault.
The ceremonial consecration of the chapel took place on 4 September 1726.
Mirror Chapel of Klementinum (2023)National Library of the Czech Republic
The architect of the chapel has not been convincingly determined yet, František Maxmilián Kaňka and also Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer might be considered.
Two Baroque organs, the masterpieces of the organ builders of the 18th century, belong to the unique furnishing of the chapel. The Baroque organ, built on the place of the original main altar comes from Svatobor near Doupov and was moved there subsequently (in the 1950s).
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The ceiling fresco in five parts, made by Jan Hiebel in 1723, was inspired by the Marian prayer Ave Maria (Hail Mary). Also the four oil paintings by Václav Vavřinec Rainer correspond to the consecration of the chapel, to the Annunciation of Our Lady.
The Astronomical Tower
One of the landmarks of the former Jesuit college is the Astronomical Tower completed in 1722. Unfortunately, we do not know the exact name of its builder, it could have been František Maxmilián Kaňka or Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer.
After a number of years as an observation tower, it was equipped with astronomical instruments and astronomical and meteorological measurements began to take place there. Since 1775, the temperature and precipitation have been measured in the Klementinum without interruption.
Statue of Atlas at the top of the Astronomy Tower (2023) by Milan ŘískýNational Library of the Czech Republic
The Astronomical Tower measures 68 metres from the base to the top, and the 52-metre-high observation balcony is accessible via 172 steps. The top of the tower, visible from afar, is adorned with a lead statue of Atlanta carrying a celestial sphere on his shoulders.
The 2.4 m high sculpture weighing 600 kg carries on its shoulders a celestial sphere, which is a historical astronomical instrument that was formerly used by astronomers and astrologers to measure and predict the positions of stars and planets in the sky and to tell the time.
A unique view on Prague (2024)National Library of the Czech Republic
From the gallery of the Astronomical Tower, visitors can enjoy a unique view of Prague and its most beautiful sights:
...the Prague Castle
...Charles Bridge
... or Petřín Hill.
The Paris Fragment of the Latin Translation of the Chronicle of the So-Called Dalimil (1310)National Library of the Czech Republic
The collections of the National Library of the Czech Republic encompass the period from the beginnings of letters up to the present.
Their highly prized part consists of more than 21,500 manuscripts, over 4,000 incunabula, printed between the invention of the printing press and the end of 1500, and more than 200,000 early printed books (coming from 1501–1800).
Ceiling fresco of the New Mathematical Hall (1760) by Josef KramolínNational Library of the Czech Republic
Keep exploring!
Continue your journey through the collection of the National Library of the Czech Republic and piece together the puzzles with family and friends!
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