10 Libraries That Should Be On Every Booklover’s Bucket List

Italian photographer Massimo Listri is best known for his large-scale images of majestic, empty interior spaces. With his talent in capturing the beauty of human creations, he opens the doors to some of the world’s most beautiful libraries.

For nearly 30 years, the Florence-based photographer has had his nose in a book, traveling throughout Europe and beyond to document some of the most extraordinary libraries. Here are the ten libraries that every booklover should visit.

1. Stiftsbibliothek Sankt Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland

2. Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland

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 highly encouraged.

3. Biblioteca do Convento de Mafra, Mafra, Portugal

4. Klosterbibliothek Metten, Metten, Germany

There’s nothing a bookworm likes more than taking their imagination for a stroll while reading new and old books. Adding a majestic library to the mix makes exploring even more amazing.

5. Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Rome, Italy

6. Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, Paris, France

Listre said:

“I’ve been photographing architecture and interiors since I was 18 years old … but I’m also a bibliophile — everything about libraries attracts me. The smell of dust, the wood, the leather, the curiosity to open every book.”

7. Stiftsbibliothek Admont, Admont, Austria

8. Biblioteca Joanina, Coimbra, Portugal

“For me, libraries are the most beautiful environments in the world … “In addition to objective beauty, you also find a continuation and conservation of knowledge. I hope people walk away with a sense of curiosity and surprise that these cathedrals of knowledge can incite.”

9. Rijksmuseum, Research Library, Amsterdam, Netherlands

10. Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

These libraries are known for noteworthy interiors featuring designs like frescoed ceilings and a lot more. And that’s nothing compared to the millions of books housed within their walls.

Have you visited any of these beautiful libraries? Let us know in the comments below!