The Klementinum (Clementinum) is a former Jesuit college complex in Prague's Old Town and, after Prague Castle, the second-largest building complex in the city; today it houses the National Library of the Czech Republic. Its Baroque Library Hall, completed in 1722 with ceiling frescoes by Jan Hiebl and rows of historic globes and rare books, is often called one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, while the roughly 68-metre Astronomical Tower and the Meridian Hall were once the heart of Prague's timekeeping and astronomical observation. As of 2026 the interior is open only via small guided tours (you view the library hall from the doorway rather than entering it), taking you through the Baroque Library, Meridian Hall and the tower gallery on one reserved route. Sitting right beside Charles Bridge, it pairs naturally with an Old Town walk for a half-day visit.
Baroque Library Hall (1722): Jan Hiebl's ceiling frescoes, historic globes and shelves of rare books in the celebrated 'most beautiful library in the world'
Meridian Hall: astronomical instruments used to determine local noon, the meridian line on the floor, and the story of the old midday time signal
Astronomical Tower gallery (viewpoint around 52 m): panorama over the red rooftops of Old Town toward Prague Castle and Charles Bridge
Mirror Chapel (Mirror Hall): a hall lavishly decorated with mirrors and frescoes, also used as a classical-concert venue
The Jesuit college complex itself: 16th–18th-century Baroque architecture and quiet courtyards
Good to know
RulesThe interior can be seen only on a guided tour, and advance online booking is strongly advised. Prague City Tourism (prague.eu) is the only official seller, and popular slots sell out early in high season.
RulesFor conservation, the Baroque Library Hall is viewed from the entrance and cannot be entered. Photography inside the library may be restricted, so always check the on-site guidance before shooting.
SafetyReaching the tower means climbing roughly 172 steep spiral stairs with no lift. Don't overexert if you have knee or heart issues or are with small children or older travellers, and wear comfortable non-slip shoes.
CautionTickets from street touts or resellers may be invalid, so buy only through prague.eu (Colosseum Ticket). The area around the Klementinum, Charles Bridge and Old Town Square is a pickpocket hotspot, so keep bags in front and valuables secure.
SeasonPeak-summer slots fill quickly. New tickets are released every Monday for the following two weeks, so plan ahead; the first two morning tours each day (09:00 in English, 09:30 in Czech) are offered at a 50% discount.
MannersKeep quiet indoors and avoid tripods and selfie sticks. Tours depart on time, and latecomers may be refused entry, so arrive at the meeting point 10–15 minutes early.
SafetyAround the winter holidays (roughly 24 December–4 January) and public holidays, opening hours and discount rules change. Confirm the latest hours before you go.
Practical info
The Klementinum is in the heart of Old Town; the nearest metro is Staroměstská on Line A (green), a few minutes' walk from Charles Bridge. Entrances are at Mariánské náměstí 5, Karlova 1 and Křižovnická; it is open roughly daily 09:00–20:00, with guided tours of about 50 minutes departing every 30 minutes. Tickets are sold only as Prague City Tourism eTickets, released each Monday for the next two weeks, with a standard adult fare of about 380 CZK — but confirm current prices and hours before visiting.
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