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The 10 most beautiful libraries around the world

Whether you’re a bookworm or just a lover of fine architecture, these gorgeous libraries are sure to fill you with wanderlust. Here are 10 of the most stunning libraries around the world.

  1. Clementinum in Prague, Czech Republic – built in 1722, the Baroque library hall is adorned with elaborate frescoes and houses The National Library of the Czech Republic.
  2. Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., USA – established in 1800 and boasting over 160,000,000 items on catalogue, the Library of Congress has the largest collection in the world.
  3. Marciana Library in Venice, Italy – a pinnacle of Renaissance architecture, this stunning library took 50 years to build after construction began in 1537.
  4. Trinity College Old Library in Dublin, Ireland – the grand Long Room is the most iconic part of this historic library, founded in 1592.
  5. Bodleian Library at Oxford University, England – established in 1602, this library is the second largest in Britain and was used as a filming location in the first two Harry Potter films.
  6. Biblioteca Joanina in Coimbra, Portugal – another Baroque masterpiece built in 1717, this library is known for its elaborate decorative elements.
  7. Austrian National Library in Vienna, Austria – built in 1723, this incredible library was once the palace library, and once you see in side you won’t be surprised to hear of its royal past.
  8. The Library of El Escorial in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain – this royal library is spectacularly adorned in gold and classic frescoes and is nestled in the magnificent royal site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
  9. Abbey Library in St. Gallen, Switzerland – at over 1,000 years old, this World Heritage site is designed in the Rococo style and survived the devastating fire in 937 which destroyed the Abbey.
  10. Sainte-Geneviève Library in Paris, France – designed nearly 200 years ago, the grand glass and iron reading room is one of the most iconic libraries in France.

Images: Getty

Tags:
travel, books, architecture, Literature, Libraries