18002099100
Explore the World’s Oldest and Most Ancient Libraries
Table of contents
Nothing is as romantic as old books with their own stories of the past etched all over their covers. If you are a bibliophile, you can’t deny the rush of nostalgia that hits you with the first whiff of old books, even though you have not been around to experience the bygone time they boast of. What is better than beautiful, old books? Beautiful, old buildings that are home to these books! The oldest libraries in the world are a mystery waiting to be cracked. So many tales reside in their walls, we couldn’t resist listing down the oldest libraries in the world for you!
Oldest Libraries Around the World
-
Al Qarawiyyin Library
Founded in 859 by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri, Al Qarawiyyin Library, in Fez, Morocco, is a part of the oldest operating university in the world! It is also home to a few of the most treasured Islamic manuscripts. The originally existing manuscript room door had four locks, and each of the four keys to those locks was given to four different, important people. So, if the room needed to be accessed, all four people had to be physically present. Presently, this one of the oldest libraries is hidden from the public eye, but the Moroccan Ministry of Culture recently made an effort to repair its continuously deteriorating condition.
-
The Librije
A relic from the 16th century, The Librije is located in the St. Walburga’s Church in the Gelderland province of Netherlands. The Church is a relic in itself, dating back to the 11th The library within has had its interiors and exteriors unchanged, and most of the book collection remains chained to the reading desks!
-
Hereford Cathedral Library
The Hereford Cathedral Library, in England, is the only chained library to have all of the chains and locks still intact! The book collection ranging mainly in the theological and reference texts section, and dates back to 1100! Since the books are so old, they are the finest examples of ancient, immaculate handwriting. The impressive library is also home to a preserved antiphonary from the 13th century!
-
Francis Trigge Chained Library
The Francis Trigge Chained Library is nestled in the town of Grantham in Lincolnshire, England. The library, founded in 1598, was named after an Elizabethan Puritan clergyman who was the rector, or chancellor, of a nearby village. Trigge was a staunch supporter of the people and founded the library to help increase information and knowledge about divinity, liberal sciences, and clergy studies.
-
Royal Grammar School
Another chained library for England! The Royal Grammar School was founded in 1575, and has current bookcases that date back to 1897! In fact, it is so impressively ancient, the oldest book there dates back to 1480 with its printing roots in Venice!
-
Wells Cathedral
The remarkable Chained Library at Wells Cathedral is home to books published before 180. Collected by the canons in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, these books span the entire range of intellectual interests! There are books here for theology, science, medicine, history, exploration and languages, and by Nicholas Jenson, Vesalius, Abraham Ortelius, Erasmus, and more. This library is the embodiment of the phrase ‘tip of the iceberg’!
-
Laurentian Library
The Laurentian Library, beautifully nestled in a cloister of the Medicean Basilica di San Lorenzo di Firenze, Florence, Italy, was opened in 1571. It holds more than 11,000 manuscripts and almost 5,000 books! It is also home to the cultural inheritance of the Medici family.
-
Malatestiana Library
The Malatestiana Library in Cesena, Italy is not only the first European civic library but is also known to be Europe’s first public library. It opened in 1452, housed in a former Franciscan monastery, and is home to 400,000 books! The reading room is an architectural dream and looks like a church. It is one of its kind and has structures that have survived beautifully for over 550 years. The walnut door itself dates back to 1454 and was carved by Cristoforo da San Giovanni, a famous Italian painter of the early Baroque period.
-
Wimborne Minster
Before the Reformation, the room that is now the Wimborne Minster Chained Library was a safe haven for the Minster Treasury. The library, in South West England, was founded in 1686 and is the second largest chained library. The library came to be because of people who were uncertain of the fate of their religious books. The first donation was from Reverend William Stone who had witnessed his fair share of burnings of religious books by the authorities. He wanted to make sure his collection was kept safe, and hence, he donated them to Wimborne. Another local donor, Roger Gillingham, provided the library with another 90 books in 1695. He insisted that even though the books should be chained up to ensure no misplacements, the library should be opened free of cost for the ‘better class’ people of the town. This story makes us live it!
-
Biblioteca Marciana
The Biblioteca Marciana is located at the end of St. Mark’s Square, Venice, and overlooks the Piazzetta San Marco. It was named after the patron saint of Venice and dates back to the 16th The library’s monumental rooms contain remarkable reading areas, replete with sculptures and frescos.
Some of these oldest libraries are reviving their clauses to keep the public out. Plan a visit soon, and revel in the idyllic image that settles behind your eyelids when you think of the times they were built in!
Table of contents
Recommended Articles for you
Hotter Than Hot: Exploring India’s Hottest Destinations
Reading Time: 10 minutes 0 0 Exploring the hottest places in India reveals more than just extreme temperatures; it uncovers a rich tapestry of cultures, intriguing histories, and breathtaking landscapes. From the arid deserts of Rajasthan to the blazing plains of Uttar Pradesh, each […]
10 Best Places To Visit In July In India On A Budget
Reading Time: 11 minutes 0 0 July, with its refreshing monsoon showers, transforms India into a vibrant tapestry of lush greenery and spectacular landscapes. For those who wish to explore the beauty of this transformation without causing a dent in their wallets, there are […]
Top 10 Coldest Places In India You Must Visit This Winter
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 As winter approaches, the quest for crisp air and snow-covered landscapes draws many away from India’s typically mild winters. Embrace the season by venturing into the country’s coldest regions, where each destination offers a unique blend of natural […]
12 Best Places To Visit In November In India In 2025
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 November is a month of vibrant transitions in India, offering an array of travel experiences from the cool Himalayan foothills to the warm beaches of the south. If you’re planning your travel itinerary for November 2024, India presents […]
10 Stunning Places To Visit In October In India To Experience the Autumn
Reading Time: 11 minutes 0 0 10 Stunning Places To Visit In October In India To Experience the Autumn October marks a magical time in India when the monsoon rains have ceased, and the landscape bursts with vibrant colours, making it an outstanding month […]
September Travel Guide – 8 Offbeat Places to Visit in September in India
Reading Time: 4 minutes 0 0 As the monsoon starts to wane, September brings forth the vibrant palette of India with its pleasant climate and colourful festivals, making it an ideal time for offbeat travels. This guide delves into eight unique destinations across India […]
Explore Top Places to Visit in India this August
Reading Time: 11 minutes 0 0 August in India isn’t just about monsoon rains; it’s a month that opens up an array of travel possibilities across the country. From the cool hill stations to the less crowded beaches, the best places to visit in […]
10 Best Places to Visit in November Outside India on a Budget
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 As November rolls in with its mild weather and the promise of new experiences, many Indian travellers start looking for the perfect overseas getaway that doesn’t break the bank. If you’re planning to explore new cultures, cuisines, and […]
Top 10 Best Countries to Visit in October for Stunning Autumn Views
Reading Time: 9 minutes 0 0 Top 10 Best Countries to Visit in October for Stunning Autumn Views As October rolls in, so does the magical palette of autumn, transforming the landscapes of various countries into a vivid mosaic of colours. The crisp air […]
A Simple Explanation of Currency Pairs for Forex Beginners
Reading Time: 4 minutes 0 0 The foreign exchange market, or Forex, is the largest financial market in the world, with trillions of dollars traded daily. For beginners, understanding the basics is crucial to navigating this dynamic market. One of the most fundamental concepts […]
Which Currency is Best to Use in Dubai?
Reading Time: 4 minutes 0 0 Dubai, one of the world’s most vibrant and luxurious destinations, attracts millions of tourists and business travellers each year. Known for its towering skyscrapers, world-class shopping malls, and rich cultural experiences, Dubai’s allure often raises a common question […]
Step-by-Step Guide to Reloading and Unloading Your Forex Card
Reading Time: 5 minutes 0 0 A Forex card is an indispensable tool for international travellers, offering a secure, convenient, and cost-effective way to carry foreign currency. Whether you are a frequent flyer, a student studying abroad, or simply on holiday, a Forex card […]
5 Best Places to Visit in August Outside India in 2025
Reading Time: 9 minutes 1 0 As August approaches, many travellers seek destinations that offer a change of pace from the usual summer heat. Whether you’re escaping the warm Indian climate or looking to experience unique cultural events, August presents the perfect opportunity for […]
What is the Interbank Rate? A Guide to Foreign Exchange Pricing
Reading Time: 4 minutes 0 0 The interbank rate is a cornerstone of global finance, particularly in the foreign exchange (forex) market. It represents the rate at which banks trade currencies with one another, forming the foundation for exchange rates that individuals and businesses […]
8 Best Countries to Visit in July: Top Picks for Your Summer Getaway
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 July is a fantastic month for travel, with the warm embrace of summer casting a golden glow over many of the world’s most captivating destinations. The longer days and vibrant energy make it the perfect time to explore […]
Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees and How to Avoid Them
Reading Time: 4 minutes 0 0 When travelling abroad or shopping online from international websites, one cost often overlooked is foreign transaction fees. These fees, while seemingly small, can add up quickly, increasing the total cost of purchases made in a foreign currency. Understanding […]
15 Best Places To Visit In April In India For An Exciting Spring Break
Reading Time: 9 minutes 0 0 April in India is a month of vibrant transitions and a wonderful time to explore its diverse landscapes. With the harsh winter receding and the scorching summer yet to set in, conditions are just right for discovering the […]
10 Best Places To Visit In May In India 2025 For A Thrilling Summer Escape
Reading Time: 10 minutes 0 0 As the summer sun brightens the Indian landscape, May is a wonderful time to explore the beauty and diversity of this vast country. From the cool hill stations in the north to the lush greenery of the south, […]
6 Budget Friendly Places to Visit in May Outside India
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 Travelling outside India doesn’t have to be expensive! With a bit of planning, you can explore incredible international destinations on a budget while still enjoying unique cultural experiences and stunning landscapes. From the ancient temples of Southeast Asia […]
Why These Are the Best Countries to Visit in February: Travel Recommendations
Reading Time: 12 minutes 1 0 February may not be the first month that comes to mind for travel, but it’s an underrated gem for those seeking unique experiences without the crowds of peak tourist seasons. As the world transitions between winter and spring, […]