Explore Europe’s most beautiful libraries—from Hogwarts filming locations to bat-guarded collections—each rich in history, beauty, and rare books.
Europe has a timeless magic and romance unlike anywhere else, and nowhere is that clearer than in its libraries.
You know the famous ones, like Trinity College’s Old Library, but Europe’s library game runs even deeper, and we’re diving into it all in this article.
The Library of Trinity College Dublin
Let’s start off strong with none other than Dublin’s Trinity College Old Library, which houses the beloved 9th-century manuscript, the Book of Kells. But it’s not just this famed text that Ireland’s oldest college library has going for it. Its Long Room exudes charm, stretching nearly 65 meters in length and housing the facility’s 200,000 oldest volumes.
It’s a masterclass in classical design, with arched ceilings sweeping over rows of wooden bookcases, while dignified sculptures guard each entrance.
Abbey Library of Saint Gall
You think you’ve seen ancient? The Abbey Library of Saint Gall predates nearly every other library. You wouldn’t believe it was established back in the 8th century when you see the stunning frescoes, vaulted cellary, and polished finishings.
Housing about 160,000 titles, one of the main things that makes it so special is that some date all the way back to the library’s early years. It has also been noted that the location has Irish connections, with some texts written in the Irish language, an incredible bonus to check out while you’re there.
Mafra National Palace Library
Next, we make our way to Portugal’s renowned Mafra National Palace Library, a wonder from the 18th century. Remarkable in many respects, the standout feature is the elegant display of 36,000 ancient manuscripts and books on exquisite Rococo-style shelves.
But perhaps what truly distinguishes it is the colony of bats that emerge at night, serving as guardians of the library’s 14th to 19th-century collection by keeping pests at bay. Naturally, this comes with its own challenges, as the bats can damage the furniture. To prevent this, the staff carefully cover all of the furniture every evening before shutting the doors.
Vennesla Library
Serving as a hub for both books and cultural activities, Vennesla Library has won numerous awards for its futuristic arrangement, which includes fresh lighting, thick-wrapped timber beams, and custom-fitted seating. Additional facilities available to visitors include a coffee shop, open meeting spaces, and even a cinema.
Besides being a prime spot to pick up some nice reads, Vennesla Library also hosts many events, thanks to its 295-seat arena. So, if you’re looking for a peaceful place to get stuck into a new book, it’s best to check if there’s an event planned.
Library of the Monastery of El Escorial
A Renaissance-era library standing at an altitude of 1,028 meters in the Guadarrama mountain range, locations like the Library of the Monastery of El Escorial don’t get more unique than this. Opulent in every detail, you’re bound to be inspired by Baroque globes and the 14 paintings surrounding the space.
Like the setting, the inventory at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is equally impressive, with more than 40,000 covers in a range of languages, from English to Persian.
Duke Humfrey’s Library
Duke Humfrey’s Library, part of the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, is one of the oldest reading rooms in Europe, dating back to the mid-15th century. Built between 1450 and 1480 to house 281 manuscripts donated by Humphrey of Lancaster, it remains a working space for scholars today.
With its timbered ceilings, towering shelves, and Gothic architecture, the library offers a timeless atmosphere where history and learning meet. It’s also widely recognized as the filming location for the Hogwarts Library—including the Restricted Section—in the Harry Potter films.
Laurentian Library
Found on the first floor of the Brunelleschi cloister, the Laurentian Library is a testament to Florence’s rich history. Named in honor of Lorenzo de’ Medici, it holds 11,000 manuscripts and 4,500 rare early printed books, and is widely considered one of the most important literary holdings in Italy.
Saying Michelangelo did a good job on the Laurentian Library would hardly do it justice. The paired columns and sweeping staircase are striking, but it’s the bold Mannerist style that leaves a lasting impression.
Admont Abbey Library
If classical Baroque architecture captures your interest, the Admont Abbey Library is sure to impress. Holding the title of the most extensive monastic library on the planet, the sophisticated layout features seven marvelous frescoes as 70,000 books fill the shelves around you.
Beneath the shadow of the Baroque rotunda, about 60,000 covers can be seen, including some notable versions of the Bible, as well as 530 materials that date back to before the year 1500.
Austrian National Library, Vienna
Passing through the entrance of the Austrian National Library in Vienna, you immediately sense the exclusive atmosphere created by its lavish imperial visual identity and imposing state hall. Built under the order of Emperor Charles VI back in the 18th century, you’ll be able to spot his statue that stands front and center.
Not only is it esteemed for its exquisite layout, but it also serves as Austria’s central academic library, housing a substantial portion of the world’s documentary treasures, an important Esperanto collection, and an extensive archive of Austrian literature.
Duchess Anna Amalia Library
Weimar’s Duchess Anna Amalia Library enchants visitors with its lavish Rococo interior concept and valuable archive of rare texts and manuscripts. Its mission is to safeguard Europe’s literary heritage, with a particular focus on works produced between 1750 and 1850.
Join over 100,000 annual visitors in the beautifully appointed reading rooms, where you can dive into over a million books waiting to be explored. In the dedicated study room, 150,000 of these are freely available on open-access shelves.
Wiblingen Abbey Library
Baroque frescoes unfold overhead as elaborate stucco work frames the halls of the Wiblingen Abbey Library. Set inside a historic abbey, it’s full of unique touches, like statues representing great disciplines and values, and twisting archives that are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
You’ll need a ticket to explore Wiblingen Abbey Library (it’s that much of an attraction), but the audio guide provides plenty of interesting insights that make it worth every penny.
Clementinum Library
Nestled in the heart of Prague, the Clementinum Library is yet another Baroque gem where Albert Einstein held classes in the past. Its 27,000 volumes rest on multiple floors within finely crafted book racks, surrounded by globes and celestial maps.
The Clementinum Library is very much a look-but-don’t-touch library. Visitors are only allowed to view it from afar; the interior is off-limits even if you join one of the guided tours.
Strahov Monastery Library
Travelers exploring Prague’s literary heritage should also consider including the Strahov Monastery in their itinerary. Within its Theological and Philosophers’ Halls rest 260,000 volumes, including pieces dating as far back as 1501 and 1800, as well as some interesting picks, such as one bound in human skin.
The frescoes painted by Siard Nosecký and Anton Maulbertsch are among the Strahov Monastery Library’s most glorious sights. However, access is restricted since the original tourist route was changed to protect and preserve them. Still, on certain occasions, tours are held that let visitors explore the entire library.
Biblioteca Joanina, University of Coimbra
With 70,000 books, some centuries old, you might think preserving them would be difficult. But at Biblioteca Joanina, resident bats handle pest control naturally (much like Mafra National Palace Library), protecting the delicate covers by feasting on the insects that threaten them.
Three lavishly adorned sections stand as a testament to the splendor of the Portuguese Empire; the red carpet runs through as gold glistens above, and towering cases of books peer down on curious readers.
Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève
The iron-framed 19th-century masterpiece that is Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève has become a cherished stop for literary pilgrims visiting Paris. Over 1.5 million books and 14,500 periodicals printed after 1830 are on exhibit here. And if you’re looking for a place to relax and flip through a few, there are more than 700 reading spots ready and waiting.
Pre-registration on Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève’s website is required before gaining entry. Before you go in, make sure you approach the front desk and try to get a card; this way, you’ll be able to enter as often as you like during your time in Paris.
Bibliotheque Nationale de France (BNF), Richelieu Site
Fresh off a gorgeous renovation, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France ticks all the boxes with its design and selection. A sense of tranquility can be felt in the expansive Oval Room, which is surrounded by multiple floors of bookcases, while cozy seating fills the main hall.
It’s easy to get lost in the fabulous Oval Room, but don’t forget to check out the exhibition on the upper floor. If displays aren’t your thing, the reading rooms will draw you in; they offer over 1,500 seats, multiple work areas, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi access for all visitors.
Biblioteca Marciana
Blending historic status and fine artwork from greats like Veronese and Titian, Venice’s Biblioteca Marciana is one of the world’s oldest public libraries. Thanks to many donations over the years, its vault of books has amassed many interesting works covering topics such as the history of Venice and Greek literature.
The corridors of Biblioteca Marciana are marked by eye-catching sculptures and coffered ceilings, but its true allure is its vast collection, which boasts over 1 million volumes, 2,800 incunabula, and 13,000 manuscripts.
Vatican Library
Whether you’re religious or not, the richly adorned Vatican Library is in a class of its own. Imagine ancient reading rooms, a rare books section that echoes history, and a vault of engravings that scream artistic appeal—all under one roof.
This library first opened in 1475 and now focuses on books and journals related to the Vatican Museum’s artifacts. You’ll come across all kinds of amazing pieces, from Assyrian-Babylonian covers to Etruscan antiquities, but it’s not open to just anyone. There’s a strict admission policy that only allows certain people from different backgrounds.
Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
A Neo-Baroque palace turned library, the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library provides readers with a touch of glamour on every level. It may look like a typical example of Hungarian architecture on the outside, but past the gates lies an aesthetic marvel, especially the vintage rooms on the fourth floor.
Try to stay quiet as you explore the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, as there are bound to be some students studying. Of course, photos are still allowed, but try not to disturb them while they work.
John Rylands Library
You could easily mistake the John Rylands Library for a Victorian chapel rather than a library. Its sumptuous Gothic architecture, opulent arches, and little hidden corners filled with books make it feel more like a sacred space.
The wow factor doesn’t stop at the building itself; the materials in John Rylands are just as mind-blowing. From one of the oldest pieces of the New Testament to a 1476 edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales printed by William Caxton, if you have a soft spot for rare covers, you’ll want to bookmark this one.
Join our community of 1.5M readers
Like this story? You'll love our free weekly magazine.
Adam Ryan
Adam is a distinguished content writer, bookworm, and full-time adventurer with a constant craving for coffee. When he's not working, he loves exploring remote corners of the world, immersing himself in different cultures, and writing about his experiences.
