Archaeologists found remains of medieval houses in the Clementinum

Prague - Archaeologists have found parts of the infrastructure of medieval houses under the floor of the basement of the Mirror Chapel at Klementinum. The survey was conducted prior to the start of the revitalization works on the National Library. This is reported on the websites of the National Library (NK) and the Archaeological Department of the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ).
    Archaeological finds confirm that the most common building material in medieval Prague was Prague sandstone and, to a lesser extent, lower quality slate. Ceramic and glass shards, fragments of iron objects, and pieces of animal bones were also discovered, with the oldest finds dating back to the 11th century.
    In addition to the Mirror Hall, the first phase of the reconstruction of the Klementinum also includes the spaces released by the State Technical Library, the corner building at Mariánské náměstí, and the Baroque Hall.
    For example, partitions that separate the baroque rooms with vaulted ceilings are being demolished, and unsuitable door frames are being removed. The attic, where ancient books are currently stored in absolutely unsuitable climatic conditions, is also being insulated, the library states on its website.
    "The existing depositaries are constantly the subject of complaints from staff responsible for the protection of the collections," the text states. The roofs are only minimally insulated or lack insulation entirely. It will be necessary to completely climate-control the depositaries and perform thorough insulation of the roofing throughout the complex.
    During the reconstruction, it was necessary to relocate thousands of books. Both historical and modern collections are now stored in boxes in the spaces released by the National Technical Library. Due to the reconstruction work, the library is temporarily not lending some books from its stock. According to NK, the lending of collections should resume in late summer.
    The reconstruction of Klementinum is divided into five phases. The companies Metroprojekt and Arstav won the public competition. The work is expected to last until next year and cost 203 million crowns.
    At the same time, NK is constructing a new section of the depositary in Hostivař, which will house five million volumes, mainly from the National Conservation Fund. Thus, the reconstruction of Klementinum and the completion of the Hostivař depositary will likely definitively replace the unrealized building of the National Library according to the project by architect Jan Kaplický, which was to be built in Letná.