6 Must-visit European libraries for book lovers
5 Minute Read
For lovers of literature and academia, libraries can bring a sense of peace, culture and connection. Europe boasts a vast collection of libraries that are among the most famous spaces in the world.
Blending historical landmarks and iconic collections of texts, Europe's libraries are a great way to experience the culture of a destination.
Looking to add some libraries to your sightseeing list? Here are six stunning European libraries you must visit.
Austrian National Library
Where: Vienna, Austria
Founded in 1368 as the imperial court library when the Habsburg Duke Albert II established a collection of manuscripts, it became the Austrian National Library in 1920. The Austrian National Library is Austria's largest library. The space features stunning Baroque architecture and frescoed ceilings.
The crown jewel of the library is the State Hall, a Baroque masterpiece. Built between 1723 and 1735, the State Hall is 77 metres long and features frescoed ceilings depicting the apotheosis of Emperor Charles VI.
The library features over 200,000 leather-bound volumes with gold-embossed spines, as well as marble statues of Habsburg emperors and allegorical figures. It also features one of the largest collections of historical maps and globes in the world. Additionally, the library features one of the most significant papyrus collections globally, featuring documents that date back to ancient Egypt.
There is also a museum dedicated to Austrian literature, featuring works by famous authors.
The Library of Trinity College Dublin
Where: Dublin, Ireland
The Library of Trinity College Dublin, or the Old Library, is a must-see for visitors to Dublin. Walking through the cobbled stone streets of Trinity College transports you back to the 18th century.
Known for its Long Room and being home to a rare manuscript, the Old Library at Trinity College should be on your Dublin itinerary. The iconic Long Room is 65 meters long and lined with over 200,000 books and adorned with busts of authors like Shakespeare, Jonathon Swift and Aristotle. In fact, the Long Room even inspired the Jedi Archives in Star Wars: Episode II—Attack of the Clones.
The Old Library is renowned for housing the Book of Kells, a richly decorated manuscript containing the four gospels of the New Testament, believed to have been created around 800 AD. Celebrated for its intricate decor and calligraphy, visitors to the library can view selected pages of the manuscript as they learn the significance and history of the book. You will also find the Brian Boru harp, a national Symbol of Ireland.
As the most extensive library in Ireland, the Old Library at Trinity College is a copyright library, meaning it is entitled to a copy of all books published in the U.K. With its barrel-vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, the Library at Trinity College is an iconic spot for book and history lovers alike.
The Mafra Palace Library
Where: Mafra, Portugal
In Mafra, Portugal, you will find the Mafra Palace and Library. A masterpiece of Rococo design, the Mafra Palace Library is an elegant home to marble floors and gilded wooden bookshelves. It has over 36,000 volumes of rare and significant works in science, literature and religion.
The library uniquely employs a colony of bats to protect the books. The bats feed on insects that could damage the books, acting as unusual but effective pest control. At night, the colony is released, and the books are covered to protect them from bat droppings.
The library is connected to the Mafra National Palace, which includes a basilica, royal apartments, and a monastery. For book lovers who have already planned to explore the palace grounds, be sure to stop in the library to admire its architecture and collections. To see more of Portugal, consider a Long-stay Portugal itinerary with Together. Groups by CAA. With departures in January and February of 2026, you can explore Portugal's culture and history, including the Mafra Palace Library.
Bodleian Library
Where: Oxford, United Kingdom
Oxford's Bodleian Library, founded in 1603, has been at the heart of Oxford's academics for over 400 years, and features many rare manuscripts and first editions, including Shakespeare's First Folio. Like the Library of Trinity College, it is a legal deposit library, meaning it is home to every book published in the United Kingdom.
At the Bodleian Library, you will find Duke Humphrey's Library, the oldest reading room in the library, dating back to the 15th century. It is also home to the Radcliffe Camera, one of the most photographed landmarks in Oxford. Additionally, Oxford's Divinity School is also a part of the Bodleian Library and featured in the Harry Potter movies.
Guided tours are one of the best ways to visit the library. If you wish to explore on your own, know that the hours vary depending on the area you want to explore and the season. Additionally, photography is restricted in some areas, so be sure to check the rules and restrictions before snapping pictures.
The Marciana Library
Where: Venice, Italy
The Marciana National Library, founded in 1468, is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Venice. Featuring frescoed ceilings, gilded details and intricate stucco work, the library is a work of art, housing many classical texts.
Home to over one million volumes, including rare manuscripts, incunabula (books printed before 1501) and early printed works, it is the ideal attraction for bibliophiles. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features ancient Greek and Latin texts, including work by Homer, Cicero and Aristotle.
The main reading room is a place for study, but can also be admired as a work of art. The library also features a grand staircase and vestibule, which is home to statues symbolizing wisdom and knowledge.
Admont Abbey Library
Where: Admont, Austria
Nestled in the Ennstal Alps in Admont is a stunning, baroque library built in 1776. Often considered one of the most beautiful libraries, thanks to its frescoed ceilings, intricate architecture and gilded accents.
The Admont Abbey Library is home to over 70,000 books, including rare manuscripts and early editions. The books are framed by a gold and white colour scheme and natural light streaming in through the large windows, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Designed as a symbol of the Enlightenment, the art and architecture of the Admont Abbey Library are meant to represent the pursuit of knowledge.
If you love the movie Beauty and the Beast you'll want to visit this spot, as it is thought to have inspired the Beast’s library in the Disney adaptation.
Book your literary vacation today
Want to see some of these libraries for yourself? Book an appointment with a CAA Travel Consultant to start planning your perfect vacation today.
