From baroque ceilings to ancient manuscripts, these libraries are true temples of knowledge and beauty
Whether you’re a passionate reader, a design enthusiast, or a lover of cultural heritage, libraries are among the most fascinating places to visit. These architectural wonders hold more than just books—they preserve history, celebrate art, and inspire awe. Here’s a curated list of ten incredible libraries around the world that deserve a place on your travel list.
1. Joanina Library, Portugal
Part of the University of Coimbra, the Joanina Library was commissioned in the 18th century by King John V. This baroque masterpiece features ornate ceilings painted by Antonio Simões Ribeiro and houses around 70,000 volumes. Every detail of the interior feels like a journey into the Portuguese Enlightenment.
2. Melk Abbey Library, Austria
Located inside the Melk Abbey, this spectacular library is world-renowned for its manuscript collection and its striking decoration. With over 90,000 volumes, the space is adorned with wooden sculptures representing different branches of knowledge and a magnificent fresco by Paul Troger.
3. Wiblingen Abbey Library, Germany
Completed in 1744, the library at Wiblingen Abbey is a jewel of rococo interior design. Located in the northern wing of the complex, its harmonious architecture and decorative richness make it one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe.
4. George Peabody Library, United States
Located in Baltimore, this 19th-century library is known for its dramatic, six-tiered atrium and iron balconies. Often called a “cathedral of books,” it holds over 300,000 volumes and remains a hidden gem of American architecture.
5. Strahov Theological Library, Czech Republic
Built in the 17th century under philosopher and theologian Jeroným Hirnheim, this library in Prague holds more than 200,000 books, including nearly 3,000 manuscripts. The space is divided into two magnificent halls connected by a corridor filled with stucco decorations and 18th-century ceiling paintings.
6. Royal Library of El Escorial, Spain
Commissioned by King Philip II, this Renaissance-era library was created to promote humanist thought in the Spanish court. Home to over 50,000 volumes, its 16th-century painted ceilings and scholarly ambiance make it one of the most important and visually stunning libraries in the world.
7. Vatican Library, Vatican City
Founded in 1448 by Pope Nicholas V, the Vatican Library is one of the oldest and most significant libraries in existence, with over 1.6 million books. Considered the personal library of the Pope, it houses some of the world’s most valuable texts and historical documents.
8. Abbey Library of St. Gall, Switzerland
Founded by Saint Othmar, this Swiss library is home to the country’s oldest collection of manuscripts, some dating back to the 8th century. The rococo-style hall, designed by Austrian architect Peter Thumb, is richly decorated with paintings and intricate wood carvings.
9. Palace and Convent Library of Mafra, Portugal
Located inside the Royal Convent of Mafra, this baroque library is one of Portugal’s crown jewels. With a collection of nearly 40,000 volumes from the 15th to 18th centuries, it’s both a literary archive and a visual marvel.
10. Trinity College Library, Dublin
As part of Ireland’s oldest university, the Trinity College Library is home to over 3 million books and manuscripts, including the famed Book of Kells. Its iconic Long Room, with soaring wooden shelves and barrel-vaulted ceilings, is one of the most photographed and admired reading spaces in the world.
