Libraries are far more than repositories of books: they are cultural sanctuaries, meeting points and symbols of collective identity. In cities across the globe, some stand out not only for the value of their collections but also for their dazzling architecture.
Majestic halls, illuminated domes and endless corridors make these libraries essential destinations for any curious traveler — whether you want to lose yourself among the shelves or marvel at true architectural masterpieces.
The Black Diamond, Royal Library of Denmark
In Copenhagen, along the Christianshavn canal, rises a building that seems to float on the water: the Black Diamond, the most famous extension of the Royal Library of Denmark, inaugurated in 1999.
Its polished black granite façade reflects the shifting light of the harbor, creating a visual spectacle that gives the building its name.
Inside, beyond millions of volumes, visitors will find concert halls, exhibition spaces and even a café overlooking the sea. It is a space where modernity and tradition coexist, now an icon of the Danish capital.
Library of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain
Built in the 16th century by order of King Philip II, the library of the Monastery of El Escorial was once considered the second most important in the world after the Vatican.
Its main hall dazzles with a vaulted ceiling painted with allegorical frescoes of knowledge and shelves of noble woods that safeguard incunabula, Arabic, Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, along with works banned during the Inquisition.
Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive treasures of the Spanish Renaissance.
Trinity College Library, Ireland
The Long Room of Trinity College Dublin, built between 1712 and 1732, is one of the most celebrated library spaces in the world. Its 65-meter-long hall, vaulted mahogany ceiling and rows of busts of philosophers and writers turn it into a true temple of learning.
It is also home to the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript regarded as a masterpiece of medieval art. Half a million visitors pass through its doors each year, drawn by its solemn and majestic atmosphere.
Stuttgart Library, Germany
Modern, minimalist and striking, the Stadtbibliothek am Mailänder Platz, inaugurated in 2011, rises as a 40-meter-high white cube. Its interior is conceived as a “Temple of Reading”: an airy, geometric space where white dominates and natural light floods every corner.
By contrast, the children’s library breaks the monochrome with pastel tones and a collection of more than 50,000 books. Its futuristic design has quickly turned it into one of Stuttgart’s main cultural landmarks.
New York Public Library, USA
The New York Public Library, located on Fifth Avenue, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Since 1911, its entrance has been guarded by the marble lions Patience and Fortitude. Inside, the Rose Main Reading Room impresses with painted ceilings depicting cloud-filled skies and long oak tables that welcome both students and visitors.
Among its treasures are manuscripts by Shakespeare, letters from Christopher Columbus and first editions of literary classics.
It is a must-see stop in Manhattan — whether to read or to admire its grandeur.
Bodleian Library, United Kingdom
Affectionately known as The Bod, the Bodleian Library in Oxford opened in 1602 and remains one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe.
As a legal deposit library, it receives a copy of every book published in the UK. Its historic halls, such as the Divinity School, have even served as film sets for Harry Potter.
Stepping into the Bodleian means immersing yourself in over four centuries of academic and cultural history.
National Library of Prague, Czech Republic
The Klementinum, a Baroque complex in the heart of Prague, houses the National Library of the Czech Republic. Its main hall, inaugurated in 1722, is considered one of the most beautiful in the world: carved wooden shelves, antique globes and frescoes celebrating science and the arts.
While Baroque predominates, the long history of renovations has left traces of other styles, reflecting the city’s rich cultural legacy.
Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Brazil
In downtown Rio de Janeiro hides a neo-Manueline gem: the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, founded in 1837 by Portuguese immigrants.
Its main hall looks like something out of a Gothic tale, with intricately carved wooden shelves climbing toward a glass skylight that floods the room with light. Housing more than 350,000 works, including rare editions of Camões and other Portuguese classics, it was named by Time magazine as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Admont Library, Austria
At the foot of the Austrian Alps lies the library of Admont Abbey, the largest monastic library in the world.
Inaugurated in 1776, it dazzles with Baroque splendor: luminous frescoes, gilded shelves and allegorical sculptures.
Within its walls coexist medieval manuscripts, scientific collections and even a contemporary art museum — all framed by the breathtaking alpine scenery that heightens its almost mystical aura.
National Library of France, France
On the banks of the Seine in Paris rise four towers shaped like open books: the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), which was redesigned in the 1990s by architect Dominique Perrault.
It safeguards more than 30 million documents, from ancient papyri to digital editions and offers exhibition halls and conference spaces.
Its modern design contrasts with the city’s historic aura, making it a bridge between the past and future of written culture.
Image: Donatas Dabravolskas
