PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LIBRARIES OF THE WORLD

We all agree that reading a book can transport you to another world, but what if we tell that you can elope to a different era altogether by just standing in some of the incredible libraries. These are not just libraries but work of noteworthy design, beauty, and sheer brilliance – think of soaring architecture, interiors featuring designs like frescoed ceilings, walls made entirely of glass and millions of books housed within their walls. If you love the smell of old vintage books and won’t mind spending hours in the den of books then we have sorted out your next travel plan. How about exploring the most beautiful libraries in the world? 

Admont Abbey Library in Admont, Austria

Imagine reading your favourite piece of novel in a 1000 year old monastery – Admont Abbey Library in Admont, Austria is a piece of art. Widely known for its Ornamental architecture, art, and manuscripts, the library contains 70,000 volumes of the monastery’s entire holdings of 200,000 volumes. The beautiful ceiling itself will let you gaze for hours; it is painted with frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte showing the stages of human knowledge up to the high point of Divine Revelation. Isn’t it crazy?

Photo credits: CN Traveller

Old Library, Trinity College, Dublin

Are you a Harry Potter fan? If yes, then Old Library at Trinity College, Dublin will make you feel like walking in a world of Hogwarts. With so much uniqueness in its architecture, it is definitely not just any library! Imagine yourself standing beside the dark, oak-panelled walls with an elegant vaulted ceiling with bookcases containing 200,000 oldest and most valuable books. You can even fetch a few fascinating old manuscripts and books dating from 9th century AD. Walking through the wooden doors towards the gallery with golden lighting kissing the lush rustic interiors, its sheer majesty is overwhelming. These are the things library dreams are made of, isn’t it?

Photo credits: CN Traveller

Strahov Monastery Library, Prague, Czech Republic

If you are making your bucket list of visiting most beautiful libraries in the world, then Strahov Monastery Library at Prague should definitely be in your checklist. The inner walls of the library narrate stories of its existence which is embedded in every single arch of the ceiling masterpiece. Since the 17th century, quite many times it was destroyed and rebuilt, time after time, war after war which makes this library even more history-rich and beautiful. Its low curved ceiling with intricate stucco designs serves as a shining example of the exuberance and opulence typical of Baroque design. Also, it’s nestled in Prague’s most photogenic location. So a win-win either way!

Photo credits: CN Traveller

Seattle Public Library, Washington

Seattle Public Library talks modernity at its best. Coined to be the most instagrammable library, the legendary architect Rem Koolhaas has created this diamond-encrusted piece of brilliance with much modern approach. The library features an eleven stories tall diamond-shaped exterior skin of glass and steel. Head to the 10th-floor reading room to take in the breathtaking view of the city.

Photo credits: CN Traveller

Biblioteca Vasconcelos, Mexico City

The gorgeous structure of Biblioteca Vasconcelos is gigantic - it features transparent walls, mismatched floors, and hive-like bookshelves. Biblioteca Vasconcelos is divided into three sections with each section dedicated to some of Mexico's greatest thinkers: Ali Chumacero, Carlos Monsiváis, José Luis Martínez, Jaime García Terrés, and Antonio Castro Leal. It's difficult not to feel infinitesimal when walking through this rare, colossal structure. So visiting Mexico City? You might want to devote a few hours browsing its vast collection.

Photo credits: CN Traveller

So whether you're a bookworm or an architecture lover, it’s time to add these libraries to your must-visit list.