Klementinum astronomical tower from the yard
Not far from our previous tower (Old Town Tower Bridge) you find a large complex called Klementinum. Klementinum, built on area of 2 hectares, is one of the largest building complexes in Europe. It was built like a jesuit college in 1653-1726 and now it is the seat of Natinal Library. A dominant feature of Klementinum is Astronomical Tower, earlier known as Mathematical Tower. The tower was built in 1722, but due to problems it had to be rebuilt, which lasted another 28 years.
Organs in Mirror Chapel, astronomical equipment at the tower and the tower balcony
Atlas at the top of the tower
In the courtyard of Klementinum there is standing a monument in honor of Josef Stepling (1716-1778), mathematician, physician and astronomer. He had an imperishable merit for the tower reconstruction and in particular for equipping it with astronomial instruments. In 1891-1911 so called Prague midday used to be signalled by cannonade. With help of the unique crexicular solar clock and the time-measuring instruments the man in tower found the actual time and then he walked onto the gallery at 12 o’clock and sent a signal with flag. The cannoneers, prepared on Mariánské walls, fired out.
View to the Old Town Square direction with Prague New Townhall
The tower is 68 meters high and on the top of it stands the statue of Atlas bearing the Earth, with a symbol of God’s eye.
Prague Castle and Petřín Hill views
Views to all directions
To visit the tower you have to buy the ticket for all Baroque interiors of Klementinum, but it is worth seeing. The other attractions are beautiful Mirror Chapel with an in-wrought interior with unique built in mirrors that can not be seen anywhere else and the Baroque Library hall with splendid fresco paintings on the ceiling and a few historically rare big globes.
South east view, clam-Gallas palace middle left
Klementinum courtyard and the stairs at the tower
Our next tower is in the middle of the shot – the tower of the Old Town Townhall:
Roofs of the Old Town
The whole series to be found here
1 Introduction
2 Bell Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral
3 Petřín Watchtower
4 St. Nicholas Bellfry
5 Little Quarter’s Bridge Tower
6 Old Town’s Bridge Tower
7 Astronomical Klementinum Tower
8 Tower of the Old Town Townhall
9 Powder Tower
PragueByKaty 
Feb 25, 2013 @ 10:45:46
You live in a such beautiful and interesting city – so much history and …. stunning building. Had one of my best holidays in Prague and I hope will be able to go back. Your photos are stunning.
Feb 25, 2013 @ 16:03:51
Stunningly beautiful and informative as per usual. f I ever get opportunity to visit, I know my first destination!
Feb 26, 2013 @ 15:57:33
Amazing towers with a dreamy view.
Mar 01, 2013 @ 10:20:04
This post brings back fond memories of a trip to Prague too many years ago! It’s time I returned. As ever, an excellent post! Glad you still like “In search of unusual destinations”, by the way! Phil.