Klementinum Prague Tours

Step into a world of astronomical wonder and literary beauty. Secure your spot to witness the world's most beautiful library and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Prague's historic heart.

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Approx. 50 minutes
6 Languages
Small group guided tours
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

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Experience

A Journey Through Knowledge, Art, and the Cosmos

The Klementinum complex is one of Prague's best-kept secrets, a sprawling historical site that transports you back in time. A guided tour is a curated journey through its most magnificent halls. You'll begin by marveling at the Mirror Chapel, an exquisite example of High Baroque design. The highlight for many is peering into the breathtaking Baroque Library, a literary treasure trove often cited as the most beautiful in the world. Next, you'll uncover the scientific past in the Meridian Hall, once used for precise astronomical measurements. The experience culminates with a climb up the Astronomical Tower, where your effort is rewarded with an unforgettable 360-degree panorama of Prague, including the Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town's sea of red rooftops.

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Flexible Options

Life is unpredictable. That's why we offer tour options with flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to book with peace of mind.

Marvel at panoramic views of Prague from a 68-meter-high viewing tower
Visit the Klementinum, a vast building complex that spans a full city block
Discover one of Prague's hidden gems as you explore the space with a guide
Learn how the Meridian Hall was used to determine the exact time of high noon
View and admire the ornately-decorated Baroque Library from the outside

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Physical Requirements
Not wheelchair accessible
Involves climbing 172 steep, narrow stairs to the tower
Not recommended for individuals with claustrophobia or vertigo
Visitor Rules
Photography without flash is permitted
You cannot walk inside the Baroque Library (viewing is from the doorway)
Large bags or backpacks may not be allowed
Tour Format
All visits are by guided tour only
Tours last approximately 50 minutes
Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book tickets online at least a week in advance, especially for summer or holiday travel, to secure your preferred time
  • Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience
  • Check the weather forecast before you book; the view from the tower is the grand finale and is best on a clear day
  • Look for evening classical concerts held in the Mirror Chapel for a truly magical and atmospheric experience.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera (no flash)
  • A bottle of water
  • Booking confirmation (digital on your phone is fine)
  • A light jacket or sweater, even in summer, for the tower

Best Seasons to Visit

Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather for climbing the tower and smaller crowds. Summer (June-August) provides the best chance for bright, clear days, ideal for panoramic photos, but is the busiest period. Winter offers a unique, often snowy, perspective of the city's rooftops.

What to Wear

Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are absolutely essential for the 172-step climb|Wear layers of clothing, as it can be cool inside the historic halls but windy and exposed at the top of the tower|There is no formal dress code, but respectful attire is appreciated for a visit to a historic and cultural monument.

Planning

Historical Context

Originally a Dominican monastery in the 11th century, the Klementinum was transformed into a major Jesuit college in the 16th century, becoming a powerhouse of the Counter-Reformation. It housed a university, a printing press, a pharmacy, and a library that was one of the most important in the Jesuit world. After the suppression of the Jesuits, it became part of Charles University and now houses the National Library of the Czech Republic.

Photography Tips

  • No flash photography is allowed. To shoot in the low light of the library, increase your camera's ISO or use a wider aperture
  • A wide-angle lens (16-35mm equivalent) is perfect for capturing the sweeping views from the tower and the grandeur of the Mirror Chapel
  • For the library shot, rest your camera on the barrier to keep it steady for a longer exposure
  • Focus on details: the spines of the books, the intricate carvings on the globes, the astronomical instruments.

Insider Tips

  • Book the first tour of the day (usually 10:00 AM) for the best chance of a smaller group
  • After your tour, walk across the nearby Charles Bridge for iconic photos with the Klementinum and Prague Castle in the background
  • Listen carefully to the guide's stories; they often share fascinating anecdotes you won't find in guidebooks
  • If you enjoy classical music, look up the concert schedule for the Mirror Chapel – it's an incredible venue.

Our Partners

  • We are proud to partner with leading travel experience providers like GetYourGuide and Viator to bring you a curated selection of the best Klementinum tours. By booking with us, you get access to their trusted network of local operators, secure payment systems, and excellent customer service.

Fun Facts

  • The Klementinum has been recording weather data daily since 1775, making it one of the longest continuous weather measurement series in the world.
  • The complex is the second largest in Prague, after Prague Castle.
  • One of the historic globes in the library famously shows California as an island, a common cartographic error of the time.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation policies vary depending on the specific tour operator and ticket option you choose. Many of our partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time. Please check the specific conditions of the ticket you select during the booking process.

Social Media

Share your experience: #Klementinum #Prague #BaroqueLibrary #KlementinumPrague #ViewFromPrague #PragueViews #VisitPrague

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Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

L
Liam O'Connell
Ireland • 2024-05-20

Prague's Hidden Masterpiece!

Honestly, this was the highlight of our trip. The Astronomical Clock is famous, but the Klementinum is the real deal. You can't walk inside the library, but seeing it from the entrance is enough to take your breath away. The view from the tower is 100% worth the climb. Our guide was funny and full of interesting facts. Booking online was easy and saved us from queuing.

I
Isabella Rossi
Italy • 2024-05-15

Beautiful view, lots of stairs

The library is as beautiful as everyone says, a true work of art. The climb to the tower is not for the faint of heart, but the panoramic view of Prague is your reward. It was spectacular! I'm giving 4 stars only because I wish we could have spent more time just looking at the library. The tour feels a bit rushed, but it's well-organized.

K
Kenji Tanaka
Japan • 2024-04-28

A Quiet Escape from the Crowds

I was looking for something less crowded than the main square and this was perfect. The entire complex is beautiful and serene. The guide's explanation of the Meridian Hall was fascinating - true science history! The view from the top is much better than Petrin Tower in my opinion. Highly recommend booking the first tour of the morning.

S
Sophie Dubois
France • 2024-04-10

Interesting but with limitations

It's a beautiful place with a lot of history. However, be very aware that you only see the library from behind a rope at the door. You cannot go in. Also, the stairs are very narrow and steep. If you have any mobility issues, this is not for you. The view is nice, but the main draw (the library) feels a bit like a tease.

B
Ben Carter
United Kingdom • 2024-03-22

Absolutely Breathtaking

Wow. Just wow. The Baroque Library looks like something out of a Harry Potter film, but real. It's utterly magnificent. The climb up the tower was a good workout, and the 360-degree view of the city is unparalleled. I got some of my best photos of Prague from up there. A must-do experience.

O
Olivia Chen
Canada • 2024-02-18

Magical Winter View

We visited in February and the view of a snow-dusted Prague from the tower was pure magic. The tour was informative and the guide was excellent. It's a short tour, about 50 minutes, which was perfect for a cold day. Seeing the old astronomical tools was very cool. Easy to book, no issues at all.

M
Mateus Alves
Brazil • 2024-01-25

Great History Lesson

A very interesting tour that shows a different side of Prague's history, focusing on science and education. The Mirror Chapel was a surprise, so beautiful. The library is the star, of course. I just wish the group was a little smaller to hear the guide better in the stairwells. But overall, a great value and a fantastic experience.

C
Chloe Miller
USA • 2023-11-30

Worth Every Single Step!

Don't let the 172 steps deter you! The view from the Astronomical Tower is absolutely phenomenal and gives you a true sense of the city's layout. The library itself is a work of art that has to be seen to be believed. Our guide was passionate and knowledgeable. We booked our tickets through this site's partner, GetYourGuide, and it was a seamless process with mobile tickets.

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