- Joanina Library in Portugal holds 60,000+ rare books in a baroque setting from the 18th century
- Abbey Library of St. Gall in Switzerland preserves 170,000 items including medieval Latin texts
- Palafoxiana Library in Mexico, founded in 1646, is the first public library in the Americas
Libraries carry an old-world charm. As you walk through the vintage corridors, past the towering wooden shelves, it feels as if you have entered a different era. The rustic pages and the earthy, timeworn smell of a book add to the magical charm. In today's fast-paced world, where people often forget to slow down, visiting a library can help you pause, breathe and reconnect with the simple joy of getting lost in stories. If you are a true-blue book-lover, here are 7 libraries across the globe, located within UNESCO World Heritage Sites, that are a must-visit.
1. Joanina Library, University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia, Portugal
This library, perched on the hilltop campus of the University of Coimbra, was built in the 18th century under the rule of King Joao V. It features more than 60,000 books, many of them wrapped in leather and gold covers, including rare works of medicine, law, and theology dating back to the 1500s and 1600s. Painted ceilings, Brazilian wood, and intricate carvings celebrate learning and the love of knowledge.
How To Reach:
- By Air: Fly to Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport (Porto - OPO) or Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon - LIS) and take a train or bus to the library.
- By Rail: Hop onto the Alfa Pendular or Intercidades trains to Coimbra-B station before switching to Coimbra station.
- By Road: Drive or take intercity buses like Rede Expressos directly to Coimbra.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to early November.
2. Abbey Library, Abbey of St. Gall, Switzerland
Tucked away inside the Benedictine Abbey of St. Gallen, this state-of-the-art library is one of Europe's oldest learning centres. Besides the signature Rococo hall, the delicate stucco work, wooden galleries, and sweeping bookcases mirror the disciplined spirit that has shaped centuries-old monastic life. From historic manuscripts to early Latin and Old High German medieval texts, as well as the iconic Plan of St. Gall, it preserves over 170,000 items.
How To Reach:
- By Air: After landing at Zurich Airport (ZRH) or St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH), take a train or taxi to St. Gallen city centre.
- By Train: A short walk or taxi ride from St. Gallen Station is the easiest.
- By Road: Drive via the A1 highway from Zurich or other Swiss cities.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October.
3. Palafoxiana Library, Historic Centre of Puebla, Mexico
Recognised as the first public library in America, it was founded by Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza in 1646. He donated more than 5,000 books from his personal collection to students and clergy. Among the 45,000 works, there are early printed books on astronomy and navigation, 16th-century theological writings, and rare Indigenous-language publications from Mexico's earliest presses. A vaulted reading room with ayacahuite-cedar wood lining the shelves offers a warm, historic vibe.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The Hermanos Serdan International Airport (Puebla - PBC) or Mexico City International Airport (MEX) are the nearest. From there, take a bus or taxi to Puebla city centre.
- By Rail: Puebla does not have major intercity trains.
- By Road: Drive or take long-distance buses like ADO from Mexico City, Oaxaca, or Veracruz directly to Puebla.
Best Time To Visit: October to April.
4. Strahov Monastery Library, Historic Centre of Prague, Czech Republic
Divided into two grand halls - the Baroque Theological Hall, built in the late 1600s, and the Philosophical Hall, constructed in the 1790s - the library holds more than 200,000 volumes, ranging from medieval manuscripts and early printed books to works on astronomy and linguistics. The space is marked by frescoed ceilings, walnut shelves, and rolling ladders.
How To Reach:
- By Air: Land at Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) and book a taxi, shuttle, or public transport.
- By Rail: Arrive at Prague Main Station before taking a tram or taxi to the Strahov Monastery.
- By Road: Drive or take long-distance buses from nearby cities.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October.
5. Biblioteca Laurenziana, Historic Centre of Florence, Italy
Designed by Michelangelo in 1520, the library stands as a testament to the Medici family's collection of classical manuscripts. Greek and Latin codices, early biblical texts, and key humanist works arranged on the exquisitely carved wooden shelves reflect the intellectual spirit of Renaissance Florence. The Pietra Serena structure keeps the focus on study.
How To Reach:
- By Air: Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), or Pisa International Airport (PSA) are the closest. A taxi or shuttle to the Florence city centre will take you to the destination.
- By Rail: From the Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) Station, walk or take a short bus/taxi ride to the library.
- By Road: Intercity buses from nearby cities are your best option.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to October.
6. Library of the Monastery of El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
Founded in the late 1500s during the reign of King Philip II, the library's long, barrel-vaulted hall is credited to architect Juan de Herrera. It contains as many as 40,000 volumes, including Greek and Arabic manuscripts, early maps and unique scientific texts accumulated from different parts of the world. The wall-system shelves make the books stand upright, allowing better preservation and air circulation.
How To Reach:
- By Air: Fly to Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and take a bus, train, or taxi to San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
- By Rail: From Madrid Chamartin or Atocha Station, hop onto the Cercanias C-8 or C-3 line to El Escorial Station. Then take a short walk or taxi to the monastery.
- By Road: The A-6 highway from Madrid or an intercity bus ride from the city centre will take you here.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November.
7. Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks, South Korea
A remarkable example of traditional Korean architecture, the Janggyeong Panjeon protects the Tripitaka Koreana, which consists of 80,000 carved woodblocks from the 13th century, containing the most precise and complete versions of Buddhist scripture. The 15th-century storage halls, elevated floors, north-south layout and slatted windows help control humidity and airflow.
How To Reach:
- By Air: You can choose between Gimhae International Airport (PUS, Busan) or Incheon International Airport (ICN, Seoul). Then, travel to Hapcheon or Daegu by bus or train, followed by a local bus or taxi.
- By Rail: After boarding the KTX or Mugunghwa trains to Hapcheon or Daegu Station, continue by bus or taxi.
- By Road: Intercity buses from Busan, Daegu, or Seoul are the best option.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November.
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