Klementinum – The Baroque Library in Prague | Megalo Travel
The Baroque Library Klementinum, Prague

The Baroque Library
Klementinum

Just a 3-minute walk from Charles Bridge lies one of the most breathtaking interiors in Europe — 27,000 rare volumes, 18th-century ceiling frescoes and a panoramic view from the 68-metre Astronomical Tower.

📍 Old Town, Prague ⏱ ~50 min. guided tour 👁 Guided tours only 🏆 UNESCO Memory of the World
View Our Prague Tour
1722Library Founded
27,000Rare Volumes
68 mAstronomical Tower
172Steps to the Top

The Four Spaces of Klementinum

The tour is conducted exclusively with a licensed guide in small groups and covers four unique spaces — each one-of-a-kind in Europe. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it without rushing.

01
📚

The Baroque Library

The Heart of Klementinum

The central hall with gilded shelves, ceiling frescoes and 27,000 volumes of theological literature from the 17th–18th century. Artist Jan Hiebel painted the ceiling frescoes, and the hall is adorned with a unique collection of historical globes. Visitors observe from the threshold only — to preserve the room's unique microclimate.

Photography inside is prohibited — to protect the rare books from light exposure.

📖 27,000 volumes 🎨 Ceiling frescoes 🌍 Historic globes
02
🔭

The Astronomical Tower

68 metres above Old Town

Climb 172 steps and you are rewarded with a 360° panorama over Old Town, the Vltava River and the rooftops of Prague. The tower has operated as a meteorological station since 1775 without a single interruption — over 250 years of daily measurements.

On a clear day the view rivals — or surpasses — that from Prague Castle.

🌅 360° panorama 🌤️ Met station since 1775 🏙️ Rooftop views
03
☀️

The Meridian Hall

Prague's 18th-century noon clock

The room where Prague's citizens used to determine exact noon via a shaft of sunlight piercing the darkened space. Two original 18th-century wall quadrants survive intact and tell the story of astronomical observation in Central Europe.

☀️ Solar meridian 📐 Wall quadrants 🕛 History of timekeeping
04
🎵

The Mirror Chapel

Where Mozart once performed

A magnificent baroque interior of mirrors and frescoes, now a venue for classical concerts. Mozart himself performed here during his visits to Prague — the hall remains acoustically outstanding and still hosts regular chamber music concerts today.

🎼 Classical concerts 🪞 Baroque mirrors 🎹 Mozart's legacy

Before You Go — Practical Information

Everything you need to know about tickets, opening hours and how to get to Klementinum.

📋  Visitor Information
Address Mariánské nám. 5, Praha 1 — Stará Město
Opening Hours Apr – Sep 09:00 – 20:00
Oct – Dec 09:00 – 19:00
Jan – Mar 10:00 – 18:00
Tickets Standard tour: 380 CZK (~€16)
Early morning tour 09:00: 200 CZK (~€8)
Children 6–15 / 65+: 230 CZK
Children under 5: Free
Duration ~50 minutes with guide
Getting There Metro: Staroměstská station (Line A)
Tram: lines 17 and 18
Important Guided tours only. No elevator. 172 steep steps to the tower. Photography inside the library is prohibited.

💡 Tips from Our Travellers

  • Buy tickets online in advance — groups are small and slots fill up fast, especially June–August.
  • For a 50% discount — choose the early morning tour at 09:00. Arrive 10 minutes ahead.
  • New slots are released every Monday for the following two weeks — check at the start of the week.
  • Klementinum is just 3 minutes on foot from Charles Bridge — combine both in the morning before the crowds arrive.
  • Wear comfortable shoes — the tower staircase is steep, narrow and uneven.
  • On a clear day, the panorama from the tower is more impressive than from Prague Castle — Old Town is literally at your feet.

300 Years of History in 5 Moments

From a medieval chapel to a UNESCO heritage site — the history of Klementinum spans nearly a thousand years.

1
11th Century

The site of today's Klementinum was home to a chapel dedicated to Saint Clement — the origin of the complex's name.

2
1556

The Jesuits arrive in Prague and begin large-scale construction. Over the next 150 years the complex takes on its current form, housing a college, university and observatory.

3
1722

The Baroque Library officially opens. Artist Jan Hiebel paints the ceiling frescoes; the hall is adorned with a unique collection of historical globes.

4
1775

The Astronomical Tower becomes a meteorological station. Measurements have continued every single day without interruption — right up to the moment you are reading this.

5
2005

UNESCO inscribes Klementinum's manuscript collection in the Memory of the World Register — one of only 500 entries worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions about Klementinum

Is it mandatory to book in advance?

Yes — and strongly recommended. Klementinum operates only with small guided groups. During the tourist season (May–September) slots sell out days ahead. New slots are released every Monday for the following 2 weeks.

How long does the tour take?

Approximately 50 minutes. It includes the Baroque Library, the Meridian Hall and the ascent of the Astronomical Tower. You are welcome to linger in the courtyards afterwards.

Is it suitable for children and elderly visitors?

Children usually love the tower and the views. Important: there is no elevator, and the staircase has 172 steep steps. Not recommended for visitors with knee problems or for wheelchair users.

Is photography allowed?

Photography inside the Baroque Library is prohibited — to protect the precious books from light exposure. Photographs are permitted everywhere else in the complex, and the views from the tower are stunning.

What language is the tour conducted in?

Official tours are conducted in Czech and English. With a Megalo Travel tour you receive a guide who speaks your language and answers all your questions along the route.

Is Klementinum included in the Megalo Travel Prague tour?

Yes — the visit is included on Day 2 of the Prague tour together with Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. The guide, transport and entrance fees are all arranged in advance.

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Klementinum in person?

With an English-speaking guide, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and a medieval dinner show — everything in one organised Megalo Travel tour.

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