2014 PRAGUE: Evening 5 The Clementinum

June 29

The Clementinum (Klementinum) tour of the Bell Tower, Baroque Library and the Mirror Chapel performance

The beautiful Clementinum (Klementinum) was founded in 1232.  It is the city and nation's library, and the second biggest architectural complex behind the Castle.  It occupies space of 32 houses, seven courts, three churches, a monastery and a few gardens.  Since the middle ages many of Europe's great astronomers, scientists, musicians and philosophers have studied and worked here.

The Astronomical Clock Tower (Astronomická věž) is from 1722. We climbed up to see the spectacular views of Prague. There are 172 steep stairs leading to the top and it used the Prague Meridian to tell time at one point.

Here we go!

The easy stairs

One of the original clocks that was removed to install telescopes to tell meridian time.

The impressive Baroque Library (Barokní knihovní sál) with 20,000 books dating back as far as the 16th century. I wasn't allowed to take pictures so I had to borrow this from online. It makes the Root Room at Oberlin look so plain and young.  In the middle of the hall are various astronomical clocks.  Apparently it's still being used by scholars and distinguished guests.  

Aaron with our Czech guide, looking at Old Town from the top of the bell tower.

The view of Old Town

The view of Prague Castle

The Mirror Chapel (Zrcadlová kaple) was built in 1724 with extensive frescos and carvings. It houses two 18th century organs, one played by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on his visits. This is the front of the chapel with one of the Baroque organs.

This is back of the Chapel with the other 18th century organ.

The fresco ceiling also had mirrors.

 

Aaron and I saw an hour performance of "Mozart in Old Prague".  There was a piano/organ player, violinist, soprano and a baritone to perform Mozart pieces, especially from Don Giovanni.  The sound was amazing.  The singers didn't have to use little microphones to project their voices.  As an encore we were blessed with a song from "The Phantom of the Opera".  Talk about being verklempt!  The performance lasted only an hour and I think Aaron enjoyed himself too.

Feeling energized, we walked around looking for somewhere to eat dinner.

We ended up at Hostinec U Meteje... after we walked in circles finding it.

It had bric-a-brac of musical instruments as its decor.

Aaron had roasted beef in cream sauce, cranberry jam, bread dumplings (Hovězí pečeně „Svíčková“, houskový knedlík, brusinkový terč).  I had vegetable risotto with cheese (Lehké rizoto z čerstvé zeleniny a jasmínové rýže, sypané parmezánem), although the risotto was jasmine rice.

A night view of Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)

 Tonight has magical!  I was very happy on my choice of performance we got to experience in Prague.