Austrian National Library – BookTrail Travels
Austrian National Library – A stunning library
The national Library of Austria sits in Vienna just waiting to be discovered. Its official name in German is Lesesäle am Heldenplatz – Österreichische Nationalbibliothek and was once the Imperial Court Library.
Walking inside…..I will never forget this feeling as long as I live. It was like looking up at history. I was very excited to be immersed in a very special place. It felt quite moving to be honest.
I had an instinct to immediately get the camera out, but do you know what? Author Alessandra Ranelli gave me a top tip – look up and soak that first moment in…..
Books set in Austria
That first view (c) The BookTrail
Books set in Austria
And she could not have been more right…..
This place…..honestly it is so hard to get across how it feels to stand in awe of such inspiring beauty and history. I felt a tingle up my spine as I looked around me – the books, the balconies, the history on the walls and ceiling as if this were the Sistine Chapel of Book worship.
The ceiling!! (c) The BookTrail
Books set in Austria
I mean where do you start taking this all in?
It costs around 11 Euros to enter but if you are there for a long time, a pass would probably work out cheaper. Totally worth every centime. I went twice as once is just not enough to appreciate what is right in front of you. You really need to come here on your own and just stand at various points to appreciate it. Sit at one of the various spots and spend time soaking it all up – I did. And it was worth every second. I honestly did not want to leave.
All the books (c) The BookTrail
Books set in Austria
Notice the gold trim and lettering!
Of course there is some fascinating history here – It’s one of the most beautiful historic libraries in the world. Apparently Emperor Charles VI commissioned the structure of the library It was built between 1723 and 1726 and the court painter did the amazing frescos on the ceiling.
The secret bookcases! (c) The BookTrail
Books set in Austria
There are some 200, 000 books here from 1501 to 1850. Of course, modernity dictates that many of the books are available on the online catalogue.
Charles VI (c) The BookTrail
Books set in Austria
And walking to the centre of the library now, you see a statue. This is the man to thank for the library existing in the first place – Emperor Charles VI himself.
There aren’t the words to express how this library, this book haven made me feel. If book heaven exists, this is it.
Of course there were LOTS of bookshops visited and bookish trails done, but for now, marvel at the most marvellous library there ever was.
Susan x
