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Praha · Historic Baroque Complex

The Clementinum: Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library

Explore a historic Jesuit complex in Praha, home to stunning Baroque architecture and centuries of knowledge.

HistoryArchitectureScienceLocal heritageDesign

Explore Prague's second-largest historic complex, the Clementinum. Take a guided tour through the stunning Baroque Library, visit the Meridian Hall with antique astronomical instruments, and ascend the Astronomical Tower for expansive city views and a glimpse into centuries of scientific observation.

Discover the Clementinum, a historic Jesuit college complex featuring the ornate Baroque Library, an Astronomical Tower, and scientific instruments, offering unique insights and Prague panoramas.

Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library
Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library Profile

The Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library is a historically significant complex in Prague, formerly a Jesuit college founded in 1556. It houses the renowned Baroque Library, celebrated for its intricate beauty and vast collection of 27,000 old printed works. The complex also features the Astronomical Tower, a site of continuous meteorological observations since 1775, showcasing historical astronomical instruments. Visitors can explore these preserved historical spaces, which have a rich legacy.

Interior of a baroque library with high ceilings, ornate decorations, and rows of bookshelves
Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library opening hours in Prague

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Prague.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
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Clementinum Astronomical Tower Admission

The Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library offers various admission options, including basic adult tickets, reduced rates for children 6-15, seniors over 65, and youth 16-26. Free entry is available for children aged 0-5 and ZTP/P card holders. Visitors can also opt for family tickets. All tickets must be purchased as eTickets, with new releases every Monday for the following two weeks, and tour capacity is limited. A 50% morning discount is applicable to the first two daily tours.

Basic Admission
CZK 380.00

Visitors under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Must be purchased as an eTicket.

Reduced Admission
CZK 230.00

Intended for children aged 6-15, seniors over 65, and holders of ZTP disability ID card. ID or ZTP card required.

Family Ticket
CZK 810.00

Valid for 2 adults and up to 4 children. Includes discount on historic Tram 42 for each person.

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Visitor amenities and access

The Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library operates under a structured tour system that requires visitors to purchase tickets online in advance for specific time slots. While the venue is easily reached via nearby public transport options, guests should be aware that the sightseeing route is not wheelchair accessible and does not feature lift access. Tours are conducted exclusively with guides and are available in multiple languages.

Guided tours

Available

Multi-language tours

Available

Online tickets required

Available

Timed entry

Available
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Museum Pass Access for the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library

Visitors to the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library in Prague may utilize select city passes to facilitate their experience. These programs offer various access levels, including full entry or specific benefits, which help guests explore this historic site efficiently. Please consult the individual pass details to confirm specific conditions for your visit.

Prague Visitor Pass

Official city pass with public transport and cultural entry.

Streamline your visit to Prague with an official pass covering over 70 experiences. Enjoy seamless entry to prominent museums, historic palaces, and galleries, supported by full access to the local transit network.

Accepted here9 pass options
From CZK 1,350
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Clementinum Astronomical Tower Location

The Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library is situated at Mariánské náměstí 190/5, in the historic Staré Město neighborhood of Prague. This significant Jesuit complex, second only to Prague Castle in size, offers visitors insights into its rich history and provides access to renowned architectural and scientific heritage in the heart of the city.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Mariánské náměstí 190/5

110 00 Praha

Staré Město, Prague, CZ

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Planning Your Visit to the Clementinum Astronomical Tower

Planning a visit to the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library requires eTickets purchased in advance, as guided tours have limited capacity and box office purchases are not guaranteed. Each tour typically runs for approximately 50 minutes. The sightseeing route is not wheelchair accessible and involves climbing 172 steps to the 52-meter viewing balcony, as no lift is available. Entry points are located in Praha's Staré Město, including at Mariánské náměstí 5.

Planning Your Visit to the Clementinum Astronomical Tower
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Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library Experience

The Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library, a historically significant Jesuit complex in Staré Město, Prague, offers a journey through centuries of science and knowledge. Visitors embark on a guided tour that highlights the venue's distinct features, beginning with the ornate Baroque Library. This revered space showcases intricate frescoes and an extensive collection of ancient printed works. The experience continues to the Astronomical Tower, which has recorded continuous meteorological observations since 1775. Here, guests explore the Meridian Hall, home to historical astronomical instruments used for precise stellar measurements. The tour culminates with an ascent to the 68-meter-high gallery of the tower, providing magnificent panoramic views of central Prague and a deeper understanding of its scientific heritage.

Panoramic view of Prague with Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Church of Our Lady before Týn

Historical Background of the Clementinum Complex

The Clementinum complex in Prague originates from an 11th-century chapel, evolving into a Dominican monastery before becoming a Jesuit college in 1556. A major Baroque construction phase, featuring its renowned library, occurred from 1709 to 1726. After the Jesuits' suppression in 1773, Empress Maria Theresa transformed the site into an observatory, university, and library, establishing the National Library in 1781 and beginning continuous weather recording in 1775. The *Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library* thus stands as a significant historical landmark, recognized for its architectural beauty and academic contributions.

  • Origins trace back to 11th-century chapel

    Founding

    The Clementinum's history begins with a chapel dedicated to Saint Clement, which existed in the 11th century. Later, a Dominican monastery was established in the medieval period.

  • Jesuit college established in 1556

    1556Founding

    The Dominican monastery was heavily damaged in 1420 during the Hussite Wars. In 1556, the site was transformed into a Jesuit college.

  • Charles University library transferred in 1622

    1622Collection

    In 1622, the Jesuits transferred the library of Charles University to the Clementinum. The college was merged with the University in 1654.

  • Main building phase from 1709 to 1726

    1709-1726Architecture

    The primary construction phase of the Clementinum complex took place between 1709 and 1726. During this period, the notable Baroque library was built.

  • Transformed after Jesuit suppression in 1773

    1773Ownership

    Following the suppression of the Jesuits in 1773, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria established the Clementinum as an observatory, library, and university.

  • National Library founded in 1781

    1781Collection

    The National Library was founded in 1781. From 1782 onwards, the Clementinum functioned as a legal deposit library.

  • Hosted first World's Fair in 1791

    1791Milestone

    In 1791, the Clementinum served as the venue for the first World's Fair, an industrial exhibition organized to celebrate the coronation of Leopold II as king of Bohemia.

  • Taken over by Czecho-Slovak state in 1918

    1918Ownership

    In 1918, the newly established Czecho-Slovak state took control of the library. Since 1990, it has been officially known as the National Library.

  • Holds Mozartiana collection

    Collection

    The Clementinum houses a collection of Mozartiana, alongside materials pertaining to Tycho Brahe and Comenius, as well as historic examples of Czech literature.

  • Notable example of Baroque architecture

    Architecture

    The architecture of the Clementinum is a significant example of Baroque style. The complex covers 20,000 square meters, making it Prague's second-largest building complex after Prague Castle.

  • Received UNESCO Jikji prize in 2005

    2005Milestone

    In 2005, the Czech National Library was awarded the UNESCO Jikji prize, recognized as a Memory of the World.

  • Technical library moved in 2009

    2009Milestone

    The Technical library, previously hosted at the Clementinum, moved to the Prague National Technical Library in 2009.

  • Oldest weather recording started in 1775

    1775Overview

    The Clementinum holds the record for the oldest continuous weather recording in the Czech lands, which began in 1775 and continues to the present day.

  • Prague City Tourism manages route since 2023

    2023Ownership

    Since 2023, Prague City Tourism, a company owned by the City of Prague, has been responsible for operating the baroque route within the Clementinum, which includes the Baroque library and the Astronomical tower.

Clementinum Astronomical Tower: Answers to Your Curious Questions

Wondering about your visit to the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library in Prague? While a general phone number might be elusive, you'll find clear answers to ticketing, including details on reduced admission, and their remarkably consistent daily opening hours from 09:00 to 20:00. Discover all practicalities in our full FAQ.

What is the email address for disabled visitor reservations at Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library?

The email address for making reservations for disabled visitors at the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library is [email protected]. This email is specifically recommended for such reservations.

Does the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library offer an online contact form?

Yes, the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library provides an online contact form. You can access it via their official website to submit your inquiries.

How can I contact the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library?

You can contact the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library through their online contact form available on their website. For reservations specifically for disabled visitors, you can use the dedicated email address. A general phone number for inquiries is not provided.

What is the phone number for the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library?

A general phone number for the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library is not currently provided in the available contact information. Please use the online contact form or the specific email for disabled visitor reservations for inquiries.

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Tips for Visiting the Clementinum Astronomical Tower

For a smooth experience at the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library, it is highly recommended to purchase eTickets in advance, as tours are guided with limited capacity and direct box office purchases are not guaranteed. The entire guided tour lasts approximately 50 minutes. Visitors should note that the sightseeing route is not wheelchair accessible, involves ascending 172 steps to the viewing balcony, and no lift is available, so consider your fitness before undertaking the tour. Additionally, all visitors under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Clementinum Astronomical Tower Visitor Suitability

The Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library is well-suited for solo visitors, couples, groups, and students with an interest in history, architecture, science, and local heritage. The experience involves a guided tour, and visitors should note that the route is not wheelchair accessible and requires climbing 172 steps to the tower's viewing balcony, as no lift is available. Planning ahead with online, timed-entry tickets is advisable due to limited capacity.

Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library Photo Gallery

The photo gallery offers a visual journey through the Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library, showcasing its ornate interiors and historic architecture. Explore images of the grand Baroque Library, with its intricate frescoes, tall wooden bookshelves, and antique globes. Additionally, discover panoramic views of Prague from the Astronomical Tower, highlighting the city's charming red-tiled roofs and historic spires.

Interior of the Clementinum Baroque Library with tall bookshelves, ornate columns, and a painted ceiling
Interior of a baroque library with high ceilings, ornate decorations, and rows of bookshelves
Baroque library with high wooden bookshelves, ornate ceiling frescoes, and globes on tables
Long hall of the Clementinum Baroque Library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, ornate columns, a painted ceiling, and a large antique globe in the foreground.
Baroque interior with a vaulted ceiling painted with frescoes, a large organ on a balcony, and rows of purple seats.
Panoramic view of Prague with Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Church of Our Lady before Týn
A large historic building with a beige facade and red-tiled roof, featuring ornate baroque architectural details and a central entrance, set against a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Interior of a historic library with wooden railings, arched window, and display case
The Clementinum Astronomical Tower with a clock face, surrounded by historic buildings with red roofs and a patterned stone square under a blue sky with clouds
elaborate frescoes and gilded details on the ceiling of a baroque library
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