History
Prague's Second-Largest Historic Complex
In the heart of Old Town, steps from Charles Bridge, rises the Klementinum — a vast baroque complex covering around 20,000 sq. m. across five interconnected buildings and five courtyards. Second in size only to Prague Castle, it is home to the National Library of the Czech Republic and one of the most extraordinary interiors anywhere in Europe.
The story of Klementinum stretches back to the 11th century, when a chapel dedicated to Saint Clement stood on this site — giving the complex its name. The defining chapter began in 1556, when the Jesuits arrived in Prague at the invitation of the Habsburgs. Over the following 150 years they transformed the site into one of the most influential centres of education and science in Central Europe, complete with a college, university, observatory and a library holding thousands of precious manuscripts.
"In Klementinum, time does not stop because of the age of its stones — it stops because of a beauty that has remained unchanged for 300 years."
In 1622, the library of Charles University was merged with the Jesuit collection. When the order was dissolved in 1773, the thousands of rare books were preserved in their entirety and handed to the state. This is how Klementinum became the National Library of the Czech Republic — a role it continues to hold today, safeguarding over 6 million volumes across the entire complex.
Timeline
300 Years of History in 5 Moments
1
11th Century
A chapel dedicated to Saint Clement stands on the site — giving the future complex its name.
2
1556
The Jesuits arrive in Prague and begin construction. Over the next 150 years, the complex takes on its present form.
3
1722
The Baroque Library Hall is officially inaugurated. Artist Jan Hiebel paints the ceiling frescoes; the room is adorned with a remarkable collection of historical globes.
4
1775
The Astronomical Tower becomes a meteorological station — a function it has maintained every single day without interruption to this moment.
5
2005
UNESCO inscribes Klementinum's manuscript collection in the Memory of the World Register — one of fewer than 500 entries worldwide.
What You Will See
The Four Spaces of Klementinum
The visit is conducted only with a licensed guide in small groups and covers three main spaces — each unique in its kind across Europe. Allow at least an hour to take it all in without rushing.
📚
The Baroque Library Hall
The central hall with gilded shelves, ceiling frescoes and 27,000 volumes of theological literature from the 17th–18th centuries. Visitors observe it only from the doorway — to preserve the room's unique microclimate.
🔭
The Astronomical Tower
172 steps up and a 360° panorama opens over Old Town, the Vltava River and the rooftops of Prague. The tower has functioned as a meteorological station since 1775 — without a single day's interruption.
☀️
The Meridian Hall
The room where Prague's citizens once determined exact noon through a beam of sunlight entering the darkness. Two original 18th-century wall quadrants remain in place, untouched.
🎵
The Mirror Chapel
A magnificent baroque interior with mirrors and frescoes, now used as a concert venue for classical music. Mozart himself played within these walls during his visits to Prague.
The Baroque Library Hall — gilded shelves, ceiling frescoes and 27,000 rare volumes.
Practical Information
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
📋 Visitor Information
Address
Mariánské nám. 5, Praha 1 — Staré Město (Old Town)
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 tour 09:00: 200 CZK (~€8) — 50% off
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 steps to the tower. Photography inside the Library Hall is not permitted.
💡 Tips from Our Travellers
- Book tickets online in advance — groups are small and slots sell out quickly, especially June–August.
- For the 50% discount, choose the early tour at 09:00. Arrive 10 minutes before the start.
- New slots are released every Monday for the following two weeks — check at the start of the week.
- Klementinum is just a 3-minute walk from Charles Bridge. Combine both in the morning before the crowds arrive.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the steps to the tower are steep, narrow and uneven.
- On a clear day, the panorama from the tower is arguably better than from Prague Castle — you are right above Old Town, not looking at it from across the river.
How to Get There
Klementinum Within Prague's Sights
Klementinum sits at the centre of the ideal tourist triangle in Prague — between Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and the Jewish Quarter. Everything is walkable in a single well-planned day.
A Suggested Day Itinerary
Start at 09:00 with the early tour of Klementinum (cheaper, fewer people). Afterwards, walk across to Charles Bridge — 3 minutes away, and still relatively quiet in the morning. Continue to Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, then spend the afternoon in the Jewish Quarter or head uphill to Prague Castle.
If you are travelling with Megalo Travel's organised tour, Klementinum is built into Day 2 together with a Bulgarian-speaking guide — no need to worry about routes, bookings or transport. Everything is arranged in advance.
Questions & Answers
What Our Travellers Ask Most
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — and it is strongly recommended. Klementinum only runs small guided groups. During peak season (May–September) slots sell out days in advance. New availability is released every Monday for the following two weeks.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 50 minutes. It covers the Baroque Library Hall, the Meridian Hall and the climb up the Astronomical Tower. You are welcome to stay in the courtyards as long as you like afterwards.
Is it suitable for children and elderly visitors?
Children generally love the tour — especially the views from the tower. Important: there is no elevator, and the 172 steps are steep and narrow. Not recommended for visitors with serious knee problems or those using wheelchairs.
Is photography allowed?
Photography inside the Baroque Library Hall is not permitted — to protect the rare books from light. It is allowed everywhere else in the complex, and the views from the tower are well worth photographing.
What language is the tour in?
Official tours run in Czech and English. With Megalo Travel's group tour you receive a guide who speaks Bulgarian throughout the entire itinerary and answers all your questions along the way.
Is Klementinum included in Megalo Travel's Prague tour?
Yes — the visit is part of Day 2 of our Prague tour, alongside Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Entry, the guide and all logistics are arranged in advance.