Like all bookworms, we’re obsessed with a beautiful setting to read. Today we’re sharing a collection of what we believe to be the world’s most beautiful libraries from around the world. Cozy up and get ready to wish teleportation were a real thing!
Admont Abbey Library – Austria
The Admont Abbey Library is nestled along the Enns River in southern Austria, the perfect setting to check out a new book. Don’t you think? Constructed in 1776, this library exemplifies the ornate Baroque style of the time and is filled with endless decorated details.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BikJYUhHdaD/
Old Library, Trinity College – Ireland
The dark, wooden arches of Trinity College’s Old Library loom over students as they read periodicals and books from thousands of years ago. Besides being the largest library in Ireland, The Old Library also houses the Book of Kells, a manuscript created by Celtic monks in the year 800.
Bodleian Library and Divinity Schools, Oxford – England
This medieval building is part of University Of Oxford’s campus, but it is most famously now used as the home of lectures, oral exams and discussions centered around theology. The vaulted, arched stone ceiling is truly spectacular!
Melk Abbey Library – Austria
The ceiling of the Melk Abbey Library is opulent and incredible to behold. The fresco, painted by Austrian painter Paul Troger is another Baroque beauty gracing our list. About 90,000 books are housed here, including many medieval manuscripts!
Handelingenkamer – The Netherlands
This library owned by the Dutch Parliament was actually influenced by the detailed architecture of China! Notice the dragons, red, green and gold color schemes and its beautifully swirled spiral staircase.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina – Egypt
The original Royal Library Of Alexandria may no longer exist – but the Bibliotheca Alexandrina stands as an amazing place holder. This 11 story building is home to over 8 million books, 4 museums, 4 art galleries and a planetarium! Truly a place for learning.
Codrington Library – England
Completed in 1751, the Codrington Library is the home to many students en route to attaining their educational desires. We love the natural light and the marbled statues scattered throughout the library.
Biblioteca do Convento de Mafra – Portugal
Find yourself lost in a wonderful book in the Biblioteca do Convento and you might never want to leave. I mean, why would you? The library’s stained glass and delicately designed staircases and woodwork is so beautiful.
Wiblinglen Abbey Library – Germany
Another Baroque style beauty that has us speechless! Something out of a fairytale isn’t it?
Rampur Raza Library – India
The Rampur Raza doesn’t grace many “must see” lists in India… but certainly think it should. Any bibliophile would love this opulently designed and beautifully constructed library.
Klementinum Library – Czech Republic
Find yourself lost in a book here and you might look up and sense that you’ve been transported to another time. The Klementinum Library’s ceilings are truly the diamond of this Czech Republic mine of books. Each fresco is a masterpiece.
Real Gabinete Português de Leitura – Brazil
Should you be dreaming of escaping into a dream world while in Brazil – we present to you the Real Gabinete Portugês de Leitura. Swoon!
Bibliotheque Nationale De France – France
The arches of Bibliotheque Nationale De France stagger over its collection of books and visitors from around the world. Besides its beauty, the national library of France is the country’s repository of all French published books. A must see location for any bibliophile visiting Paris!
Tama Art University Library – Japan
This is the most modern library in our round up! Built in 2007, the Tama Art Unversity library was designed by local architects who built the famous concrete and steel arches of the library to support the structure and empty into the garden area. If we were students here, we’re fairly sure we would never leave this modern haven!
The Library of El Escorial – Spain
Located in the Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (the residence of the king of Spain), this library’s vaulted ceilings is really the star. Filled with frescos of the seven liberal arts, this library is a World Heritage Site and holds over 40,000 volumes in its domain.
Seattle Central Library – Washington
Seattle’s Central Library is an 11 storied geometric and transparent beauty. Visitors love the incorporation of glass and metal throughout the building (while reading one of the estimated 1.45 million books inside). Architect Rem Koolhaas has a lot to be proud of… this library was named as one of the 150 structures in America.
Stuttgart City Library – Germany
Minimalism is king at the Stuttgart City Library. If this library’s clean lines and cube-like shape isn’t enough to pull you inside, perhaps the five story reading room is! We love that it also has an after-hours area called the “Library for Insomniacs.” Perfect for any book loving traveler dealing with some jet lag!
Boston Public Library
And finally! A national treasure we love – the Boston Public Library. This library houses 1.7 million rare books and manuscripts and has a unique collection of musical items (including the archives of the Handel and Haydn Society).
Photo by @nastasiaspassport
