National Library of the Czech Republic, National library in Prague, Czech Republic
The National Library of the Czech Republic is a research and university library located in the Clementinum complex in Prague. The institution spreads across several baroque structures with vaulted halls and an astronomical tower that now welcomes visitors for guided tours.
The Jesuit college was established in the early 1600s and gradually grew into one of the largest educational centers in Central Europe. After the dissolution of the Jesuit order the institution passed to Charles University and was later transformed into the main national repository during the 20th century.
The complex takes its name from the former Jesuit college that once occupied these buildings during the Counter-Reformation period. Today researchers and students work in the reading rooms surrounded by centuries-old volumes and decorative woodwork that recall the institution's scholarly traditions.
Visitors should be prepared for staircases and narrow corridors since the building spans multiple levels without modern elevator access. Public areas lie separate from reading rooms so it is wise to check ahead about guided tours if you want to see restricted spaces.
The library halls preserve a collection of historic globes and star charts once used by Jesuit scholars for navigation studies. Some of the original shelves are made from solid walnut wood with hand-carved ornaments that still stand firm despite their age.
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