In the series of world’s most beautiful libraries, a new member is added to the list. If we knew before the sumptuous Strahov library in Czech Republic, now is the turn of a collection of books set in a majestic setting within the Benedictine Abbey of Admont in Austria. What we see today is the result of an arduous task of collecting cultural books over centuries and anyone can be blinded by its value started in the nineteenth century, when it was considered one of the wonders of the world.
It is clear (judging by the pictures) that the library still dazzles. The rooms, like a palace of books, are part of the religious complex, and were built in 1776 to house the collection. The most notable, a series of domes decorated with frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte, a representation of the stages of human knowledge which dazzles with its complexity. Above all, a setting in relation to the importance of the collection of 200,000 books, ancient manuscripts and some early printed before the sixteenth century.
Admont Abbey is located in the federal state of Styria in Austria, on the banks of the river Enns. While Abbey was founded in 1074, and the library building is much later, it was well known from the beginning for its cultural activities and education. And yet, the fact that the library has survived to the present, is a curious fact considering that in 1865 a fire destroyed the entire complex, except for the collection and book rooms. Today you can visit the library which continues the task of spreading knowledge and culture without interruption.
How to go there:
By Nikos K.
Benedictine Abbey photos: Janos Korom
