Top 15 Oldest Vintage Libraries in the World You Can't Miss
Now that the euro is falling, we can go to many parts of the world at a fairly reasonable cost. If you're wondering where to go first, perhaps these gorgeous libraries from around the world can inspire you. If your idea of the library is a dull place with loads of dusty rows of books and dull corners, let this list of the most beautiful libraries in the world change your mind. Many of these sites from around the world are beautifully constructed architectural masterpieces and are a must-visit even for those who don't like reading, so feel free to add any (or all) of them to your travel group list!
1
Admont Abbey Library, Austria
At the top of our list is one of our all-time favorites, the Admont Library. Located in the southeast of Austria, it stands out from other libraries by its majestic gold-white interior, as if coming out of a fairytale dream! Also the largest monastic library in the world, home to Josef Stammel's Last Four Things, sculptures depicting death, heaven, hell and the Last Judgment, and stunning frescoes on the ceiling representing different stages of human knowledge.
Site: https://stiftadmont.at
Address : Kirchplatz 1, 8911 Admont, Austria
Opening - closing hours: from 9h - 17h on weekdays
2
Mafra National Palace Library, Portugal
The Mafra National Palace Library in Portugal is worth visiting just for its magnificent beauty. With its luxurious marble floors and walls lined with Rococo-style wooden bookshelves, the library is definitely a highlight of the royal palace. The library is also known for its bats that dwell behind bookshelves, feeding on insects in the library at night, otherwise possibly eating manuscript pages.
Site: http://www.palaciomafra.gov.pt
Address:Terreiro D. João V, Mafra, Portugal
Phone: +351 261 817 550
Opening hours - closed: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
3
Stuttgart City Library, Germany
Located in the southern German city, the Stuttgart City Library is one of our favorite modernist libraries, embodying modern minimalism at its best. Designed by Korean-German architect Eun Young Yi, the 9-story building features a perfect white cube, complete with a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the city. However, our favorite part is the aesthetically pleasing reverse ziggurat reading room on the inside, illuminated by a photovoltaic glass ceiling.
Site: https://stadtbibliothek-stuttgart.de
Address : Mailänder Platz 1, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
Opening - closing hours: Monday - Saturday 9h - 21h
4
Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Brazil
While in Rio de Janeiro, visit one of the city's hidden gems, the Royal Portuguese Reading Room. Built in 1837 with the aim of spreading culture and literature among the Portuguese communities living in Brazil, the library is home to more than 350,000 titles including rare books from centuries ago. One of the highlights here is Altar da Pátria, a stunning masterpiece made from marble, ivory and silver commemorating the Portuguese Discoveries that took place in the 1400s and 1500s.
Site: https://www.realgabinete.com.br
Address : R. Luís de Camões, 30 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20051-020, Brazil
Phone: +55 21 2221-3138
Opening - closing hours: Monday - Friday 10h - 17h
5
Strahov Library, Czech Republic
With its well-preserved history and stunning ceiling frescoes, the magnificent Strahov Library is a must-visit when you arrive in Prague. The library is located in a Premonstratensian monastery and is divided into two main halls – the Baroque Theological Hall contains much of the material of a theological nature and a large collection of Scriptures in various languages, while the Hall of Philosophy contains more than 42,000 ancient philosophical texts.
Site: https://www.strahovskyklaster.cz
Address : Strahovské nádvoří 132/1, 118 00 Prague 1-Hradčany, Czech Republic
Phone: +420 233 107 710
Opening - closing hours: Monday - Sunday 9h - 12h, 13h - 17h
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