We've Discovered Europe's Most Beautiful Library... And We're Never Leaving

Regularly named one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, this baroque marvel dates back to 1722. Originally the main library for one of the oldest and largest universities in the world, it quickly became a symbol of magical beauty.

The National Library of the Czech Republic is part of the Clementinum, a massive complex of historical buildings that also holds the Astronomical Tower (a weather center since 1775) and the Mirror Chapel, a popular setting for classical music concerts. The main hall leading to the library is lined with books, manuscripts, and photographs of historical significance, and is a great introduction to the magnificence that awaits just a few meters ahead.

The largest hall of the library is also the most impressive. Featuring a balcony with a highly ornate, forged railing and stairs, the Library Hall is decorated in rich golds, mahogany woods, and ceiling frescoes by Jan Hiebl. The beauty is in the original details: the labels on the bookcases have been there since the 1700s and none of the features (including floors or wood trims) have been replaced since the library’s creation.

The Library Hall is also home to some of the oldest books in Europe—including the 11th-century Vyšehrad Codex, an illuminated, Romanesque Gospel Book, thought to have been created to commemorate the coronation of Czech King Vratislav II, the first king of Bohemia, in 1085.

Aside from the massive compendium of books, there’s also an impressive collection of geographical globes handmade by the Jesuits. The astronomical globes peppered throughout the room are a work of art in themselves. Look closely and you’ll also notice a number of clocks designed and handcrafted by Jan Klein, a renowned 18th-century Jesuit astronomer and mathematician.

Perhaps one of the most striking things about the design is the artistic frescoes adorning the ceiling. German-born artist Jan Hiebl was asked to paint those frescoes after working on several chapels and churches in Prague. The Clementinum is unique, however, because Hiebl mixed scientific and artistic images with portraits of Jesuit saints and other religious symbols. Hiebl was also known for his “trick” painting, which created the illusion of the ceiling disappearing, so you can see sunlight pouring into the room.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.