Monument to Joseph Stepling in Prague

The Monument to Josef Stepling is a small but charming marble memorial tucked into the arcades of the second courtyard of Prague's Clementinum, just off Mariánské náměstí in the heart of the Old Town. The sculpture, showing a winged cupid holding an astronomical telescope, honors one of the leading Czech scholars of the Enlightenment era — a Jesuit mathematician, physicist and astronomer.

How to get there?

The Clementinum sits only a few minutes' walk from Charles Bridge and Křižovnické náměstí, right in the middle of Prague's most visited historic district. The complex is easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the Old Town, and the Staroměstská metro station along with several tram stops lie within a short stroll. The Stepling monument stands in the arcaded gallery of the second courtyard, accessible as part of a general visit to the Clementinum, which also includes the Baroque Library Hall and the Astronomical Tower. It's best to plan the visit as part of a wider tour of the complex, since the monument itself is a modest but meaningful detail within a much larger site.

What will you see?

The centerpiece of the monument is a sculpted putto — a chubby, winged boy, a motif typical of Baroque art — holding a telescope, symbolizing observation of the sky and scientific pursuit. The work was created by Ignác František Platzer, one of the leading sculptors of Prague's late Baroque and Rococo period, whose work can also be found at Prague Castle and across many other parts of the city. The monument was commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa herself, a clear sign of the esteem in which Stepling's achievements were held.

Josef Stepling (1716–1778), born in Regensburg and later based in Prague until his death, was a Jesuit priest and one of the pioneers of modern science in the Bohemian lands. In 1751 he founded the Clementinum Observatory, equipping it with the best astronomical instruments available at the time, including devices made by Jan Klein. Stepling also initiated systematic meteorological measurements — the first recordings began in 1772, becoming regular from 1775 onward. His work laid the groundwork for the further development of the exact sciences in Prague and turned the Clementinum into an important center of astronomical research in Central Europe.

The monument was unveiled on 22 July 1780, after Stepling's death, as a lasting tribute to his contributions to mathematics, experimental physics, astronomy and meteorology. Tucked away in the courtyard arcades, it's easy to walk past amid the many attractions of the Clementinum, but for anyone interested in the history of science it marks a place of real significance — a reminder of an era when Prague's academic circles ranked among the foremost centers of scientific thought in Europe.

When to visit?

Since the monument stands in a covered arcaded gallery, it can be viewed at any time of year regardless of weather. The best way to see it is as part of a guided or self-guided tour of the Clementinum, which is open most days of the year — it's worth checking current opening hours before visiting. Morning hours or weekdays outside the peak summer season help avoid the crowds that regularly fill this popular spot in central Prague.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Josef Stepling? Josef Stepling (1716–1778) was a Jesuit priest, mathematician, physicist and astronomer who founded the Clementinum Observatory in Prague in 1751 and initiated systematic meteorological measurements there.

Who created the monument? The marble sculpture of a winged cupid holding a telescope was created by Ignác František Platzer, one of the foremost sculptors of Prague's Baroque period.

When was the monument unveiled, and who commissioned it? It was unveiled on 22 July 1780. It was commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa, underscoring the importance placed on Stepling's scientific achievements.

Where exactly is the monument located? The monument stands in the arcades of the second courtyard of the Clementinum complex, near Mariánské náměstí in Prague's Old Town.