Klementinum - National Library of the Czech Republic

The Klementinum sits on over 2 hectares and is one of the largest complexes in Europe and is home to the National Library of the Czech Republic. Situated in the romantic area of Prague’s Old Town, the Klementinum dates back to the 11th century when a chapel was erected and dedicated to St. Clement. In the middle ages, the complex became a Dominican monastery and afterwards in 1556 a Jesuit college and was at one point the third largest Jesuit college in the world. In 1773 Empress Maria Theresa established the Klementinum as a university, library and observatory. In 1781 the National Library was founded on site. The Baroque complex is the second largest complex in Prague after the magnificent Prague Castle and features beautiful architectural facades, lush courtyards with numerous sundials and attractions such as the 68 meters high Astronomical Tower, which affords exquisite views over the labyrinthine city of Prague, the frescoed Baroque Library Hall and the extraordinary Mirror Chapel. Should you be looking for a quiet place to work, the National Library offers several reading rooms, all of which can be viewed online on their website.

Křižovnická 190, Praha 1, Klementinum 190, Praha 1, +420 221 663 111, www.nkp.cz