Prague’s National Library, the Klementinum, houses 27,500 books that have been stored and preserved since the 1800s. (nextyle (Adobe Stock))
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Before the minicomputers that fit in your pocket, before the internet, before movies and televisions, there was only books. When seeking knowledge, you turned to a book; if a storyteller was not nearby, you opened a book. One of the most famous ways to find more stories or gather information was the library. In 1727, the Klementinum Library was built for this purpose, and remains intact to this day in Prague, Czechia.
Prague’s national library, the Klementinum, houses 27,500 books that have been stored and preserved since the 1800s. The Ministry of Culture is in charge of managing the books and their other valuable contents.
The Klementinum offers a tour which includes the library as well as the majestic Astronomical Tower. (Daniel Sutton)
Most of the collection was originally in other libraries in the 1700s. However, Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II transferred books from cancelled monastic troves to the Klementinum. The most valuable manuscript is the Latin coronation, “Gospel Book,” worth a total of 40 million euros.
Each section is labeled in Latin, including books, because of their origins and may be translated in German and Greek as well. Each book requires high maintenance by a 90-person crew by responsible for carefully vacuuming each and every page. This includes the library’s heaviest book: a 72.5-kilo leather book.
The building possesses a large number of books and documentations and is large in structure to house the many items. The Klementinum Library is the second largest complex in Prague, thanks to the additional areas within the complex. The Baroque Library Hall, where the books are shelved, the Meridian Hall in the Astronomical Tower and the Mirror Chapel, where they host classical concerts.
Sir Franz Joseph Kinsky, the Jesuit who contributed to the Library, decided to open the doors for the public because he believed in the spreading of knowledge. His selflessness impacted the people to learn about the history of the city and the country. When browsing the shelves, you might find a very philosophical quote.
“There’s no greater enemy of knowledge than ignorance.”
— Latin philosophical phrase found on a shelf in the library
The Klementinum offers a tour which includes the library as well as the majestic Astronomical Tower. The tower was originally built in 1722, but was rebuilt 30 years later, adding astronomical equipment within the tower. The tower provided a view of the country from a height of over 220 feet tall, with 72 steps to ascend to the top that has remained the same since the 18th century. Inside the tower, you will find tools and equipment used for meteorological study. Buy your tickets in advance online to ensure you get to visit.
The tower was originally built in 1722, but was rebuilt 30 years later, adding astronomical equipment within the tower. (Daniel Sutton)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
