The hall of the Baroque Library Klementinum (Barokní knihovna Klementinum) is a Baroque hall in Prague, which is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
The Baroque Library Hall is a small part of the large Clementinum complex, which, in turn, represents the buildings of the former Jesuit Collegium, which are currently occupied by the National Library of the Czech Republic.
The library in the beautiful Baroque style was first opened in 1722 for the needs of the Jesuit University located in Clementinum. Books with bleached spines and red markings have been standing here since the Jesuit era.
The appearance of the Baroque hall of the library has been preserved since the 18th century. The hall is decorated with ceiling frescoes by Jan Hibla, on the theme of art and science with images of allegorical motifs, as well as figures of Jesuit saints, patrons of the university and important representatives of the Jesuit order.
One of the main decorations of the library hall is a large portrait of Emperor Joseph II, who replenished the library with volumes from the abolished monastic libraries. Also in the hall you can see a collection of historical valuable geographical and astronomical globes, between which there are astronomical clocks created, in particular, by Jan Klein.
At the head of the collections of the library hall is a collection of Czech literature called "Biblioteca nationalis", which was founded in 1781 by the director of the library Karel Raphael Ungar.
Currently, the library contains a number of significant and unique works of world significance, including a collection of foreign-language printed theological literature.
Practical information
Anyone can visit the Baroque hall of the Clementinum, or rather not visit, but see from the open door (entrance to the hall is prohibited).
The tour of the hall is included in the tour of the Clementinum, which also includes a visit to the Meridian Hall with a collection of astronomical instruments, an inspection of a facsimile of the Visegrad Codex and an ascent to the observation deck of the astronomical tower, which offers panoramic views of Prague. Also, as part of the tour, you can look into the Mirror Chapel of the Clementinum, but only if no other events are taking place in the chapel at this time. More about Clementinum...
The tour of the Clementinum is paid. Entrance from the courtyard of the Clementinum complex. Website: klementinum.com .
The Klementinum is located in the historical center of Prague, in the Stare Mesto district, at the address: Mariánské nám. 5, 110 00 Staré Město, Czech Republic.
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