The Library of the Strahov Monastery – a staple of on lists of the world’s most beautiful libraries – will get a special guided tour this Saturday as part of popular world exploration website Atlas Obscura’s Obscura Day 2016.
The unique venue, which dates back to the late 17th century, is one of Prague’s most photogenic locations. It’s comprised of two beautiful baroque library halls and a “cabinet of curiosities”.
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The library’s Theological Hall, built in 1679, features ancient globes and manuscripts and is dominated by its low curved ceiling with intricate stucco designs.
Photo: Jorge Royan / Wikimedia Commons
The larger, taller Philosophical Hall, from the late 18th century, features two levels of bookcases and a ceiling fresco.
Photo: Jorge Royan / Wikimedia Commons
Obscura Day is an initiative of the online magazine to bring attention to some of the hidden treasures around the world. In total, 160 locations in 26 countries around the world will participate in the event.
At the Strahov Library, the Obscura Day guided tour will take place from 13:00 – 14:00 this Saturday, April 16. Tickets run 528 CZK and can be purchased from the Atlas Obscura website.
Of course, you can visit the libraries yourself, without the guided tour, throughout the rest of the year. Entry is 100 CZK.
Not in Prague? The website 360cities.net has a 40-gigapixel, 360-degree virtual tour of the Philosophical Hall. At the time of its inception in 2011, it was billed as the world’s largest indoor photograph.