Epic Libraries You Have to See to Believe
What happens when architecture, obsession, and old books collide? You get libraries so surreal, you’ll forget to check the time. These are the kind of libraries every book lover dreams of...📚👀
Some people chase beauty - others chase stories. For book lovers and curious travellers alike, the world's most beautiful libraries are the perfect blend of both. Think secret doors, marble floors, bat caretakers and shelves stacked with centuries of wisdom. These are the kind of places that make you whisper "wow" before you even open a book.
The Admont Monastery Library, Austria
A Baroque masterpiece, the Admont Monastery Library is as breathtaking as it is historic. Frescoes, sculptures, and centuries-old books come together in a space that feels almost dreamlike. As one of the world’s largest monastic libraries, it holds hidden doors and Enlightenment ideals—rooted in the simple belief that light should fill the room as well as the mind.
📚Tip: Planning a trip to Vienna? The stunning Admont Monastery is just a three-hour drive away. And while you’re in the city, don’t miss our Vienna audio tour, filled with stories, sights, and local secrets.
Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Rio de Janeiro
What began as an effort by 43 Portuguese immigrants to preserve their heritage has become the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal. Its beauty is simply unmatched—a mesmerizing neo-Manueline façade rich with ornate carvings and detail. Inside, every corner pays tribute to Portugal’s literary giants, including a statue of Luís de Camões, often called the Shakespeare of Portugal. With over 350,000 volumes, it’s a place where time slows and stories surround you.
📚Tip: Visit in the late morning when sunlight streams through the stained-glass skylight, illuminating the ornate woodwork and casting a golden glow across the room.
Library of Trinity College, Dublin
The oldest and largest library in Dublin, it houses countless historic treasures—including the famed Book of Kells. Its most iconic feature, the Long Room, holds over 200,000 rare volumes and is lined with marble busts of literary and philosophical giants like Swift, Shakespeare, and Aristotle. As a Legal Deposit library, it receives a copy of every book published in Ireland, ensuring its shelves never stop growing.
📚Tip: Dublin has never been shy about its literary greatness. Giants like Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, and James Joyce once walked these very streets. Want to follow in their footsteps? Open your “Piri” app and choose one of our Dublin audio tours—packed with hidden gems, local tips, and rich stories. Explore at your own pace and let the city’s literary soul guide you.
Strahov Monastery Library, Prague
True booklovers would know, Czech Republic has some of the most insanely beautiful libraries in the world. Strahov Monastery Library is no exception. With a collection of around 200,000 volumes, it’s one of the most valuable and best-preserved historical libraries in Europe. Though access is limited to protect its delicate frescoes, visitors can still catch a glimpse of monastic life while admiring the grandeur of its Baroque halls.
📚Tip: While you’re there, don’t miss out on Strahov’s centuries-old brewing tradition—the monastery’s own brewery has been crafting exceptional beer for over 600 years.
Biblioteca do Convento de Mafra, Portugal
At the heart of Portugal’s grand Palace of Mafra lies its most treasured gem: a stunning Rococo library tucked away on the second floor. Its rose, grey, and white marble floor sets the tone for a space filled with over 36,000 leather-bound volumes—capturing centuries of Western thought from the 14th to the 19th century.
📚Tip: Don’t be alarmed if you spot bats sleeping behind the shelfs. These tiny guardians come out at night to protect the books from insect damage—nature’s own preservation team.
One More Thing…
If you're getting this newsletter, it's either because you recently used Piri Guide or you subscribed to it yourself. If you don't want to get these newsletters anymore, you can unsubscribe at any time. We appreciate your time. 😇
Stay inspired and explore more on our Instagram and TikTok! Follow us for travel tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and more adventures! ✨
Have a great weekend, everyone! See you next week!👋🏼