Have you ever watched a movie, or read a book that has an absolutely breathtaking old library? The ones with the rolling ladders attached to the shelves, 3 stories with shelves reaching to the very top of the domed ceiling with books from centuries and centuries ago?
The beauty in those old libraries is astounding.
I went out for lunch with a good friend and fellow book lover today, and as we were visiting, we began to discuss our favorite books and what we were currently reading. During our conversation she had mentioned that we should go on a tour of Europe and visit all of the old libraries! I went home and could not get the idea out of my head! I looked up some old European libraries online and have decided to share my top 3 favorite old libraries!
Vatican Library, Vatican City. The Vatican’s library was built in 1475 and as well as housing over 1.1 million books, is also a research center for law, philosophy, science and theology. It looks just how you would expect any room at the Vatican to look, with enormous columns and ceilings covered in hand painted artwork. Absolutely stunning.
The Abbey Library of St. Gall, Switzerland. The Abbey contains manuscripts dating back to the Middle Ages. It contains St. Gall Cantatorium, which is believed to be one of the first music manuscripts ever written in the world. This library is absolutely gorgeous and a must see in Europe!
Trinity College Library, Dublin. This library is a Copyright Library, which means that every publisher in Ireland has to bring a copy of their publications there. There are 7 buildings in total, the oldest was built in 1712. The picture below shows what is called The Long Room. This room houses over 200,000 of the libraries oldest books, including the Proclamation of the Irish Republic!
What are your favorite libraries? Have you visited any that stood out to you that are a must see?
Every Book and Cranny 