As in previous weeks, this week we are also writing about libraries around the world. This week our selection is Klementinum- One of The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries…
The Klementinum library in Prague can certainly be said to be one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. As a beautiful example of baroque architecture, the library has existed since 1722, when it was part of the Jesuit University. Today, this impressive building houses more than 20,000 books.
The Klementinum Library in Prague is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, and when you see its interior, you will understand why.
As we mentioned, it was opened in 1722 as part of the university. The Klementinium is located near the Charles Bridge and is an excellent example of Baroque architecture that has not changed since the day it was opened.
The walls are decorated with frescoes by Jan Hiebl, as a fusion of science and art. At the end of the hall there is a portrait of Emperor Joseph II who ordered the books from the closed independent libraries to be sent here to the Klementinum.
The paintings on the dome represent the Temple of Wisdom, and on the walls, you can see portraits of the Saints of Jesus, the patron saint of the university, and prominent representatives of this order.
The middle of the hall is dominated by geographic and astronomical globes as well as astronomical clocks constructed by Jean Klein.
As this library in Prague is a rare and little-known treasure, there are also a few lesser-known facts associated with it:
The Klementinum library was once the third largest Jesuit university in the world.
Local time began to be measured from there in 1775, something that continues even now.
Furthermore, this library is depicted in a novel by the famous Spanish writer Jorge Luis Borges.
