For some, paradise isn't just white sand beaches and crystal-clear water . If you love to travel and are passionate about books, you can't miss these wonderful libraries.
Today we'll focus on the most beautiful and legendary libraries in Europe. Join us on this journey from the comfort of your own home.
Library of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial, Madrid
It is not necessary to go far to contemplate this Renaissance wonder located in San Lorenzo del Escorial, it was founded by Felipe II.
The library's collection is estimated to contain around 40.000 volumes . These are primarily manuscripts in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, and Spanish. The library also houses volumes in other languages, including Catalan, Valencian, Persian, Provençal, Italian, and even Turkish.
Strahov Theological Hall, Prague
Built in 1671 in the Strahov Monastery, it is one of the best-preserved and most valuable rare book libraries in the world. The iconic building houses no fewer than 200.000 volumes, including some 3000 manuscripts and 1500 incunabula. There is an entrance fee, but it's not very expensive, and photography and video recording are permitted . A must-see if Prague is your destination.
Abbey Library St. Gallen, Switzerland
This Rococo gem, built in 1758, is the most important library in the neutral country. Small yet impressive, it houses 160.000 volumes . The building has a charm that captivates everyone. Meticulously maintained, they even provide slippers upon entry to protect the floor. A historical exhibition that no one should miss.
Admont Abbey Library, Austria
Undoubtedly the oldest and most imposing library in all of Austria, this library was commissioned by Abbot Matthäus Offner and designed by the architect Joseph Hueber, who began construction in 1776. It is considered the largest monastic library in the world, housing 200.000 volumes, although it is estimated that some 70.000 have been restored. Among its most outstanding treasures is the illuminated manuscript of the Admont Bible.
Queens College Library, Oxford
Integrated into the University of Oxford, it houses 50.000 volumes. Worthy of a palace, it is a relic that no book lover should miss. The best thing about the Upper Library is that it is still functional. Can you imagine preparing your exams in an environment like this?
Trinity College Library, Dublin
And voilà ! This was the library chosen to film scenes from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . There's an entrance fee, but for around €14, you'll get a guided tour. The most important thing about the library, apart from its architecture and surroundings, is the Book of Kells.
Royal Library of Denmark, Copenhagen
Also known as "the Black Diamond," it is the main branch of the Copenhagen Library. More than 250.000 volumes are spread across eight floors and six reading rooms. A modern building constructed of black marble and glass with sea views makes it a must-see in the Danish capital.
Stuttgart Library, Stuttgart
Reading and architecture. Whatever your preference, this is your site. This work by Eun Youn Yi is considered one of the best libraries in the world. Its modern design, space and luminosity, leave those who visit it with their mouths open. In this colossal construction there are also book signings, events and exhibitions.
Bristol Central Library, Bristol
The building as we know it today was built in 1906, during the Edwardian period. It houses books in Somali, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Kurdish, Pashto, Punjabi, Vietnamese, Czech, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. In addition, daily and monthly subscriptions to European, African, and Asian newspapers are available.
National Library of France, Paris
The BnF, or National Library of France, is one of the country's most important libraries. Its main branch, the François Mitterrand, is located in Tolbiac, south of Paris. A decree mandates that the library hold a copy of every work published in France . It boasts a total of 13 million books, distributed across its various branches. The four branches located in Paris are the François Mitterrand branch, the Arsenal branch, the Opéra Library-Museum, and the most imposing, the Richelieu branch.
This is just a small notch of the wonders we can find in Europe. So now you know, encourage yourself to mix literature and travel and do not stop visiting these fantastic and emblematic treasures.