31 Incredible Libraries and Bookstores Around the World

For centuries libraries have been the temples of knowledge. And they have been treated accordingly – some of them are definitely among the most impressive architectural wonders. Even if you are in a city for a short time, you can visit impressive libraries or bookstores and admire their magnificent beauty.

1. The Sistine Hall of the Vatican Library, Vatican City

2. Wiblingen Monastery Library, Germany

3. Admont Abbey Library, Admont, Austria

4. Duchess Anna Amalia Library, Weimar, Germany

5. St. Florian Library, Austria

6. The State Library of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

Photo: Christopher Chan

7. El Ateneo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

8. A International University Library, Akita, Japan

Photo: Jimmy and Sasha Reade

9. Austrian National Library, Vienna, Austria

10. Canadian Library of Parliament, Canada

11. Library in Stuttgart, Germany

12. The National Library of France, Paris, France

13. Broerenkerk, Zwolle, the Netherlands

14. Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland

15. St. Gallen Library, Switzerland

16. The Escorial Library, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain

17. The George Peabody Library, Baltimore, USA

Photo: Tadas Bujanauskas

18. Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

19. Suzzallo Library, University of Washington, USA

20. Biblioteca Joanina, Coimbra, Portugal

21. Library Square Vancouver, Canada

22. The Theological Hall, Prague, The Czech Republic

23. New York Public Library, USA

24. Mexico Public Library, Mexico City, Mexico

Photo: Alberto Kalach

25. The Philosophical Hall, Strahov Abbey, Prague, The Czech Republic

Photo: Andi Depunkt

26. The Marciana Library, Venice, Italy

27. Livraria Lello, Porto, Portugal

Photo: Ilya Varamov

28. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, New Haven, USA

29. Kansas City Public Library, USA

30. Geisel Library, California, USA

31. Tripitaka Koreana, South Gyeongsang, South Korea

Source: Places to See In Your Lifetime