Roavina

Historic monument · Prague

Clementinum

Klementinum

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

Photograph

A photograph of Clementinum
Photograph · Vit · CC BY-SA 4.0
Today
Open today, 09:00 – 20:00
Visit duration
45 min
Accessibility
Not step-free
Price
CZK 380.00 per person
Standing
Must see · Heritage site
Rank
Rank 10 of 5,064

Place details and sources

This place is a Attraction. It was established in 1781. It was built in the baroque architecture style. It was designed by Carlo Lurago. It carries the national cultural monument of the Czech Republic heritage designation.

Official website
www.klementinum.com Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Telephone
+420 222 220 879 OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Heritage grade
Grade 2 OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Type of place
Attraction OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Established
1781 Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Heritage designation
national cultural monument of the Czech Republic Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Architectural style
baroque architecture Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Architect
Carlo Lurago Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Architect
František Maxmilián Kaňka Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Architect
Giovanni Domenico Orsi Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Architect
Kilián Ignaz Dientzenhofer Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Architect
Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Operator
Dreyer s.r.o. OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Wikipedia article
Clementinum Wikipedia · Checked 2026-09-09

About Clementinum

The Clementinum is a historic complex in Prague's Old Town, one of the largest building complexes in Europe. It originated as a Jesuit college founded in 1556 and later merged with Charles University. The Baroque library hall is particularly celebrated for its architectural and artistic significance. The complex includes the National Library of the Czech Republic and serves as a major cultural institution. Its astronomical tower offers views across the city centre. Monday–Sunday 09:00–20:00. There is no weekly closure day.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What's inside

The Clementinum contains the Baroque Library Hall with its ornate ceiling frescoes and historical globes. The Mirror Chapel hosts classical music concerts. The astronomical tower contains measurement instruments and observation spaces. The complex encompasses courtyards, corridors and exhibition areas connected to the National Library collections. Guided tours provide access to restricted areas not open for independent exploration. The library hall preserves original seventeenth and eighteenth-century furnishings and decoration. These hours apply to the guided Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library sightseeing route.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

How long to spend

Visitors typically allocate between sixty and ninety minutes for a standard guided tour of the Clementinum. The duration depends on tour pacing, group size and language provision. Additional time should be allowed for queuing during peak visitor periods in the Old Town. The astronomical tower climb requires extra minutes and moderate physical effort. Concert attendance in the Mirror Chapel extends visits substantially. Photography restrictions may reduce time spent in the library hall. Overall planning should incorporate surrounding Old Town exploration. Basic adult admission is 380 CZK. Tickets must be purchased as eTickets; Prague City Tourism is the sole official seller.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Season and crowds

The Clementinum operates as an institutional complex with varying accessibility across different areas. Library functions continue year-round, but tourist visiting arrangements follow separate schedules. Seasonal demand fluctuates significantly in Prague's city centre. Morning visits may offer reduced crowding compared to afternoon periods. Weather conditions affect the astronomical tower experience. Holiday periods alter normal patterns. Monday–Sunday 09:00–20:00. Use metro line A or tram 17 or 18 to Staroměstská. The complex has entrances at Mariánské náměstí 5, Karlova 1 and Křižovnická Street; Mariánské náměstí 5 is the nearest entrance to the sightseeing route.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Tickets

The Clementinum requires guided tour participation for most interior access. Different pricing structures may apply for library tours, tower visits and concert events. Group rates and language-specific tour allocations affect availability. The National Library functions separately from tourist operations. Some areas may remain inaccessible regardless of payment. Online booking is advisable during high season. There is no lift. Basic adult admission is 380 CZK. Tickets must be purchased as eTickets; Prague City Tourism is the sole official seller. The sightseeing route is not wheelchair accessible. Reaching the viewing balcony at 52 metres requires climbing 172 steps.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Getting there

The Clementinum occupies a central position in Prague's Old Town, adjacent to the Charles Bridge approach. The Staroměstská metro station on Line A provides nearby underground access. Multiple tram lines serve stops along the Vltava riverbank within walking distance. The area is pedestrian-focused with restricted vehicle access. Use metro line A or tram 17 or 18 to Staroměstská. The complex has entrances at Mariánské náměstí 5, Karlova 1 and Křižovnická Street; Mariánské náměstí 5 is the nearest entrance to the sightseeing route. There is no lift. Reaching the viewing balcony at 52 metres requires climbing 172 steps.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What to watch out for

Access restrictions apply throughout working institutional spaces. The Baroque Library Hall permits no independent entry. Photography prohibitions protect sensitive historical materials in designated rooms. Narrow tower staircases present difficulties for mobility-impaired visitors. Crowding concentrates in the library hall viewing area with limited standing room. Acoustic conditions in the Mirror Chapel vary by seating position. Exterior courtyard surfaces are uneven. The sightseeing route is not wheelchair accessible. Reaching the viewing balcony at 52 metres requires climbing 172 steps. ZTP and ZTP/P cardholders are advised to arrange reservations by email at [email protected].

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Photography

Photography restrictions are strictly enforced within the Baroque Library Hall, where flash and all image capture are typically prohibited to protect delicate frescoes and furnishings. The astronomical tower generally permits photography of city views. Mirror Chapel photography policies depend on event type, with concerts usually restricting capture. Courtyard and exterior architectural photography faces fewer limitations. Visitors should observe posted signage and guide instructions without assumption. Social media sharing of permitted images remains acceptable. Respect for operational requirements protects long-term preservation. ZTP and ZTP/P cardholders are advised to arrange reservations by email at [email protected].

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Common questions

How long does the Clementinum tour take?

The guided sightseeing tour takes approximately 45 minutes.

What does the sightseeing route include?

The route includes a view into the Baroque Library, the Meridian Hall and the Astronomical Tower.

Can visitors enter the Baroque Library hall?

No. Visitors view the Baroque Library from the doorway and do not enter the hall.

Are tours guided?

Yes. The sightseeing route is available only as a guided tour.

Which tour languages can be booked?

eTickets are sold for tours in Czech and English.

When are new tickets released?

New tickets are released every Monday for the following two weeks; tour capacity is limited and box-office availability is not guaranteed.

Where it is

Nearby

Within 2 min on foot
  • St. Salvator Church 45 min
    2 min walk

    St. Salvator Church

    • Must see · Heritage site
    • Historic monument
  • Charles Bridge Museum 1 hr 30 min
    2 min walk

    Charles Bridge Museum

    • Must see
    • Museum
  • Clam-Gallas Palace 45 min
    2 min walk

    Clam-Gallas Palace

    • Must see · Heritage site
    • Historic monument

Last updated:

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·