Meridiánová síň is a room on the second floor of the Astronomical Tower of the Clementinum in Prague. Period astronomical instruments are on display there, and it is one of the stops on the guided tour offered by Prague City Tourism.[1] Tickets for the tour must be bought as e-tickets, and tours are held in Czech and English. [1]
The route also leads through the Barokní knihovna and ends with a climb to the gallery of the meteorological station, which according to its operator has measured continuously for longer than any other in the Czech lands. At the top of the tower stands a statue of Atlas carrying the heavens with stars. There are 172 steps up to the tower and no lift is available.[1]
The Clementinum is a Jesuit complex on the site of a Dominican monastery and several medieval houses. The observatory tower was completed in the early 18th century by František Maxmilián Kaňka. The complex serves mainly the National Library of the Czech Republic.[2]
The complex was built up gradually. Pavel Ignác Bayer, who completed the printing house, also took part in finishing it in the early 18th century. In 1928–1930 Ladislav Machoň adapted part of the complex for the needs of the National Library of the Czech Republic. [2]