Architecture

P2 39.The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World

While we all know that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

This is one case in which evaluating something on its appearance is not only accepted but encouraged.

These libraries are known for noteworthy exteriors ,think soaring architecture with inspiring interiors and that's nothing compared to the millions of books housed within their walls.

So whether you're a bookworm or an architecture lover,start adding these beautiful libraries to your must visit list.

THE LIBRARY OF EL ESCORIAL,SAN LORENZO DE EL ESCORIAL,SPAIN 00:36

Not only is this Spanish library a work of art,

it's also part of a Unesco World Heritage Site,

originally commissioned by King Philip the seconds.

The library's most dazzling feature is a series

of seven frescoes that depict deliveral arts,music,

rhetoric,astronomy and so on.

The town of San Lorenzo DE EL Escorial,which is about 45 minutes outside of Madrid,has long been a favorite of Spanish royals and there's plenty more to see here beyond the library,including a monastery gardens and the pantheons of former princes and kings.

AUSTRIAN NATIONAL LIBRARY,VIENNA,AUSTRIA 01:22

The Austrian National Library is the largest library in Austria with more than 12 million items in its various collections.

The library is located in the New Berg Wing of the Hoff Berg in center of Vienna,one of the Austrian national library's most jaw dropping features is the huge fresco on the ceiling,which was created by painter Daniel Gran.

The dome is also decorated with statues by sculptor Paul Schrudell that pay tribute to the Hoff Burg rulers.

Among the exhibits are two exquisite Venetian Baroque globes,one for the earth and one for the sky,each with a diameter of more than one meter.

GEOGRE PEABODY LIBRARY,BALTIMORE,MARYLAND 02:15

The George Peabody Library,part of Johns Hopkins University,contains over 300,000 volumes stacked in five decorative tears.

The books are impressive sure,but the cathedral like atrium,marble floors and rot iron details are the main draw here.

Is it any wonder the library has become one of the most popular wedding venues in Baltimore?

STRAHOV MONASTERY LIBRARY,PRAGUE,CZECH REPUBLIC 02:55

The Shrahav Monastery in Prague was originally founded in 1143,despite wars,fires and other disasters.

The order endured and built its library in 1679.

The library's best known features are its remarkable ceiling,which is covered in biblical frescoes and the compilation wheel that can turn and rotate shells in order to make books easier to find without knocking any of them over.

LIBRARY OF ALEXANDRIA,BIBLIOTHRCA ALEXANDRINA EGYPT 03:38

Alexandria was once home to the most famous library in the world,now Egypt pays homage to its Biblio heritage with this League granite building.

The circular structure designed by Norwegian Firm Sn?hetta,is covered in carvings done by local artists and sits next to a large reflecting pool.

Although there are plenty of books in three languages,Arabic,French and English,there are also museums a planetarium and a lab,dedicated to restoring and preserving ancient manuscripts.