Klementinum, St. Clement's Cathedral

About the venue

On the Royal Way beside Charles Bridge — classical concerts on the baroque organ of St. Clement's Cathedral in the Klementinum.

St. Clement's Cathedral in Prague is one of two churches that form part of the Klementinum, the largest and most historic complex of buildings in the Old Town. The cathedral is located near Charles Bridge on Karlova street, the 'Royal Way', which leads from the bridge to the Old Town Square. Thanks to its excellent acoustics, it serves year-round as one of Prague's favourite concert venues.

A Baroque Masterpiece by Kaňka

St. Clement's is a magnificent Baroque structure built in 1711–1715 by Antonio Lurago to the plans of architect František Maxmilián Kaňka. It stands on the site of a Gothic church of the Dominican monastery founded here in 1227 and destroyed during the Hussite wars in 1420. The cathedral represents one of the most important examples of Baroque architecture in Prague.

Art and Decoration

The cathedral has a single aisle with a divided ceiling, which holds the statue of St. Clement by F. I. Weiss. There are other statues by Matthias Bernard Braun, paintings by I. Raab, and murals of St. Clement's life placed in the dome by Jan Hiebl. The side altars, the pulpit, the confessional and the organ loft all deserve attention, with sculptures by M. B. Braun from 1716–1721, and a picture of St. Linhart by P. J. Brandl from the year 1716. Stucco decorations are the work of S. Götzler and the main altar was painted by J. Kramolín. Today the church serves as the cathedral of the Greek Catholic Church in the Czech Republic.

Concerts in the Cathedral

St. Clement's is known for its excellent acoustics, making the cathedral a fine venue for classical music concerts. These run throughout the year and feature the original Baroque organ from the 18th century. During the winter the interior is heated and the seats have cushions, but it is advisable to wear warm clothing for the concerts.

Upcoming concerts at this venue

Address
Karlova 1 (Entrance opposite Karlova 14), Prague 1
How to get there

Metro:
Line A (green) - Staromestska stop

Tram:
No. 17, 18 - Staromestska stop

Map
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