Klementinum

One of the largest and most magnificent historic complexes in Prague, the Klementinum is a Baroque masterpiece that spans an entire city block in the Old Town, just steps from Charles Bridge. Originally founded in the 16th century as the Jesuit College of St. Clement, it quickly became one of Central Europe’s most prestigious centers of learning, attracting students from across the continent to study theology, philosophy, mathematics, and natural sciences.

Today, it houses the National Library of the Czech Republic, but its legacy as a place of scholarship continues to fascinate. The highlight of any visit is the Baroque Library Hall, often cited as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Established in the 17th century, it holds over 20,000 rare volumes, many with exquisitely decorated spines, all under a richly frescoed ceiling that glorifies science and knowledge.

Visitors can only access the interiors via guided tour, which also includes the Mirror Chapel, an ornate concert venue with frescoed ceilings and mirrored walls which regularly hosts classical music performances, and the Astronomical Tower. This 68-meter tower once housed the Prague Meridian, a line used to determine noon in the city before the standardization of time. A lesser-known gem is the 18th-century meteorological station on the roof—one of the first in Europe—established by Jesuit astronomers to study weather patterns and even the aurora borealis, or northern lights, which was occasionally visible from Prague.

Climbing to the top of the tower rewards you with spectacular 360° views over Prague, and along the way, visitors encounter antique astronomical instruments that once placed Klementinum at the forefront of scientific research in Europe.

💡 Top Tip 💡

Tours are only available with a guide, so plan ahead and book your time slot early—especially in summer. Don't forget to bring a camera: the views from the Astronomical Tower are among the best in Prague.

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📅 Plan your visit

👣 Guided Tours
🕒 Opening Hours:
      Jan–Mar & Oct–Dec: 9:00–19:00

      Apr–Sep: 9:00–20:00 (tours every 30 minutes and last 50 min)
🌐 Buy tickets online to avoid queues
🎟 On-site: Tickets available at the information desk inside the Klementinum courtyard

🎶 Concerts
🕒 Concerts start between 16:00 and 20:00
🌐 Check concert schedule and buy tickets
📍 Venue: Mirror Chapel, Klementinum complex

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🍴Where to eat : 

(Here are some suggestions. All are within 7 min walking from your current location).

 

[$]

Bakeshop Café Bistro (Bakery, café & bistro with fresh pastries) 4.4 ⭐ 

Coffee & Waffles (All-day breakfast café with sweet & savory waffles) 4.6 ⭐ 

 

[$]

Mistral Café (Modern Czech & European cuisine with courtyard seating) 4.5 ⭐ 

Potrefená Husa Platnéřská (Modern Czech Brasserie) 4.4 ⭐ 

Pizzeria Donna (Italian Restaurant) 4.1 ⭐ 

 

[$$]

Finestrina (Italian Bistro & Deli) 4.5 ⭐

V Zátiší (Elegant fine dining blending Czech and international flavors) 4.7⭐

Brasileiro U Radnice (Brazilian churrasco & steaks) 4.7 ⭐

 

[$$]

CottoCrudo (Modern Italian with Czech Influences) 4.5 ⭐ 

Restaurant 420 (Modern Czech fine dining by Michelin-starred chef) 4.4 ⭐