the Travel Enthusiast
- 06 Oct
itachan in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTSThe largest and most interesting libraries in the world
Zurich University Library, photo by tomatoos on Flickr
Bookworm travelers rarely leave on a trip without bringing either a few beloved paperbacks with them, or, more recently, an e-reader full of interesting new books. But there are other ways as well for a literature geek to indulge in their passion for the written word while they are traveling.
How about visiting a few libraries? You might not have time to stay long enough to read something, but some of the largest and most interesting libraries in the world are true works of art.
Bibliothek des Rechtswissenschaftlichen Instituts, Zurich, Switzerland
Those travelers who know about the work of Spanish architect Santiago Calavatra will instantly recognize this modern building as one of his designs – the unmistakable curved, elegant lines don’t leave any doubt of it. The University of Zurich’s library looks downright sci-fi, with desks and shelves curving around an oval atrium. Take the glass elevator to the top floor to see the library in its entire splendor.
The Library of El Escorial, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain
El Escorial library, photo by -Merce- on Flickr
El Escorial, the residence of the Spanish royal family, which also functions as a museum, a school and a monastery, is one of the most jaw-dropping World Heritage Sites in Spain.
The library is the result of the cooperation between several famous architects and designers, and its interior is decorated with frescoes and vaulted ceilings.
Biblioteca Parque España, Medellin, Colombia
On a hill in Medellin you might notice what looks like three big chunks of rock that look uncannily artificial – you’re looking straight at the Biblioteca Parque España, actually. As you get closer, you can notice the slated windows that let in a surprising amount of light, creating a very pleasant mood for reading some of the thousands of books housed within.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Canadian Library of Parliament, Ottawa, Canada
Ottawa Library, photo by Alejandro Erickson on Flickr
If you like your libraries in a more classical style and as ornate as possible, you would most likely enjoy a few hours in the Library of Parliament in
Ottawa (although you might be too distracted staring at the walls to read). The outside of the building is pretty stunning (it appears on Canadian $10 bills), and the interior is done in an intricate Gothic revival style.
New York Public Library, New York, USA
The New York Public Library is the largest public library in North America, and a well-respected research institution to boot. The library actually contains 87 separate libraries and over 8 million items in total.
Although it is built and decorated in a pleasantly classical style, NYPL is keeping up with the newest technological inventions as well, and surprisingly, all that high-tech stuff doesn’t look out of place at all among the tall book shelves.
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