This 18th Century Library Could Not Be More Beautiful

Courtesy of the Klementinum Library
While curling up in a corner of your home library is a great way to unwind, nothing (seriously nothing) quite compares to Prague's Klementinum library.

Completed in the 1700s, after over 170 years of construction, the Klementinum includes three structures – the Astronomical Tower, Meridian Hall, and a library. Though a number of architectural styles were used among the buildings, the library itself, which opened in 1722, reflects the Baroque period.

Inside, a collection of over 20,000 books line the walls. Overhead, mesmerizing ceiling frescoes, painted by artist Jan Hiebl, create a domed effect. Through masterful techniques, Hiebl was able to create the illusion of natural sunlight pouring into the space.

Courtesy of the Klementinum Library
At the time of its opening, the library was part of the Czech Republic's Jesuit University, and much of its massive collection consists of historic theological literature.

Today, however, the Klementinum library is run by the State Library of the Czech Republic, and is open regularly to the public. To plan your visit, head to klementinum.com.

Courtesy of the Klementinum Library
[h/t Bored Panda

From: ELLE Decor US


By Lindsey DeSimone

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Only 8 Bar Accessories You Really Need

Image
Getty Considering exactly how to stock your bar can really open up a can of worms. Do you buy separate glasses for red wine, white wine, and champagne? Do you really need those (super cute) Moscow mule mugs? Which cocktail utensils are essential? And what the heck to do they all do? We turned to Laurén LaRocca, one half of the party planning, lifestyle blogging duo Twink + Sis, to find out which accessories you really need. Here's what she recommends: 1. A Cocktail Shaker "Freshly crafted cocktails are truly unparalleled and they really do have a special quality when shaken. It's actually remarkable! Even if you shook up some lemon juice, vodka and simple syrup in a shaker, you'd have a better cocktail than what's served in most bars. Though some shakers are works of art, even the most basic of shakers work great and are relatively inexpensive." 2. A Double Sided Jigger "The key to efficiently making cocktails (that are also consistent in taste) req
Read more

24 Statement Doors From Around the World

Image
We're swooning over canary yellow in Dublin and cobalt blue in Paris. Getty 1. Dublin, Ireland Getty 2. West Bengal, India Getty 3. London, England Getty 4. Savannah, Georgia Getty 5. Quebec City, Quebec Getty 6. London, England Getty 7. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Getty 8. Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Getty 9. Bled, Slovenia Getty 10. The Cotswolds, UK Getty 11. Portsmouth, New Hampshire Getty 12. Belleek, County Fermanagh, Ireland Getty 13. London, England Getty 14. Paris, France Getty 15. Dublin, Ireland Getty 16. Ile De Re, France Getty 17. San Francisco, California Getty 18. County Down, Ireland Getty 19. New York, New York Getty 20. Dublin, Ireland Getty 21. Boston, Massachusetts Getty 22. London, England Getty 23. Mdina, Malta Getty 24. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The Most Luxurious Vacation Homes Around the Globe Live like a rock star (if only for a long weekend) in these impressive rentals. Next The 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America From: T
Read more

Spooky Caverns Lie Beneath This Unassuming Castle

Image
Patricia Chang Bill Gilbert never imagined he'd own the castle all his friends thought was haunted when he was a kid. Clearly, life doesn't always turn out how you expect, because he bought the 145-year-old stone structure known as the Albion Castle back in 2012. While he luckily hasn't run into any ghost occupants, he has gone to great lengths to restore the home to its original glory. Curbed has the full story on the renovation (and the dreamy shots of the eclectic interior — we're talking natural wood and stone combined with lots of bohemian accents).  Patricia Chang But here's the historical nugget we found most intriguing : Back in 1870 two British brothers stumbled upon a natural spring in San Francisco. Inspired by Norman castles, they decided to use the fresh water  to produce beer and built the Albion Ale and Porter Brewery right on top of the spring.  Eventually, the company went out of business and the structure has since had several different owners (i
Read more