The most beautiful libraries in the world

Although they are not usually among the most popular tourist attractions, the truth is that throughout the world they can be found libraries they deserve to be visited. We refer to those spaces for study and reflection that allow us to travel throughout the centuries and enter all kinds of stories surrounded by an environment of immense beauty.

These are places that we should visit at least once in our lives, but since we know that this is almost impossible for the vast majority, today we wanted get closer to some of the most beautiful libraries on the planet. Do you want to join us?

Library of the University of Salamanca

What do you think if we start our tour of the most beautiful libraries in the world in Spain? Among other temples of literature that our country houses, we want to highlight the library of the University of Salamanca, which is the most ancient from Europe (it was built in the 13th century). Its access is limited, so that only a privileged few have been able to enjoy its shelves full of history, where you can find first editions by authors of the stature of Quevedo or Cervantes. In addition, we must not forget that it is a jewel of Renaissance architecture.

General Library of the University of Coimbra

And we continue talking about university buildings, although this time we moved to Portugal, where the General Library of the University of Coimbra is located, which can boast of having one of the money bibliographic of more value of the continent. Founded in the 13th century by King Dinis, it consists of two buildings, one of which has been declared a National Monument of Portugal for its architectural and decorative richness. We refer to the Joanina Library.

George Peabody Library

Another library that cannot be missing from the list is that of George Peabody, built at the end of the 19th century in Baltimore, United States. Today it belongs to Johns Hopkins University, although it was founded thanks to the initiative of the philanthropist George Peabody. The main collection has 300,000 books, although what is most striking is its exquisite decoration.

Trinity College Library

Nor can we forget the Library of Trinity College Dublin, which is the oldest university in Ireland. It has the largest collection of books and manuscripts in the entire country. In fact, since 1801 he received a copy of all the works published in the Britain. In addition to its beautiful bookcases, the display case that houses the oldest harp in Ireland, and the Book of Kells, which contains a text of the four gospels written in Latin with ornate calligraphy, are striking. Apparently, it was written in the early 9th century.

Library of the Benedictine Monastery of Admont

We also want to tell you about the Admont Monastery Library in Austria, which is the library monkish largest on the planet. Beyond its more than 200,000 volumes, the seven domes decorated with frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte stand out.

Stuttgart library

We want to end by telling you about a much more modern library than the previous ones, but equally beautiful. We refer to the Stuttgart Library. And it is that while its exterior has been designed as a castle to protect knowledge, inside the books shine thanks to the natural light and white color that occupies almost all the space.

We know that we have left many other libraries of immense beauty, but today we can no longer expand. Therefore, do not hesitate to tell us about other beautiful temples of the reading you know.

15 Most Beautiful Libraries in the World (April 2024)