This vast and somewhat austere religious compound can be approached either from Karlova or Kzizovnicka. It spreads out over an area of five acres (two hectares) and after the castle is the biggest complex of buildings in Prague. Built by the Jesuits between 1653 and 1726 it required the destruction of more than three dozen houses, churches, gardens and a monastery in order to make way for it.
Aside from the college building, the Clementinum (its name is derived from the old Church of St Clement which used to occupy part of the site) complex includes the churches of St Clement (a baroque edifice dating from 1711 has replaced the old church of the some name) and St Salvator, a chapel belonging to the Italian Community and an observatory. It is also the home of the State Library of the Czech Republic with over five million volumes and countless precious manuscripts included in a growing collection. The highlights include a glorious library, known as the Baroque Hall, found in the oldest west wing of the college building on the first floor. It was designed in the first half of the 18th century by F M Kaiika; its vaulted ceiling and dome are decorated with a painting and frescos by J Hiebl. Unfortunately the hall is presently closed to the public. Hiebl’s work can also be seen in another wing of the college, the Mathematics Hall where a collection of table clocks is displayed. The neighbouring Mozart Hall has a rococo flavour in its decoration and furnishings and a further example of rococo art can be found in the chapel at the end of the main staircase. Standing in the same courtyard as a monument to J Steepling, the astronomer who founded the Baroque Hall, Klementinum observatory tower, is the Mirror Chapel, also designed by Karika in 1724.
St James Church & Monastery
Tucked behind the Tyn Church, on Maid Stupartska, is another medieval foundation, the former Minorite friary of St James. The original Gothic church was destroyed by fire in 1689 and immediately rebuilt in the baroque style. The barrel-vaulted ceiling is decorated with frescos by F Voget. Above the high altar, and set within a lavish gilt frame, is a painting of the martyrdom of St James by V V Reiner. On Sundays a choir and orchestra perform at the High Mass but there is much jockeying for position among the congregation.