Discover the most beautiful libraries of Hungary – PHOTOS
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Not only are they magnificent, but they are also home to a number of fascinating artefacts. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some libraries worth visiting, even if you are not fond of reading.
Ervin Szabó Central Library (Budapest)
One of the hidden gems of the capital, even the building itself is impressive from the outside. If you go in, you might not find it all that spectacular – until you visit the upper floors. The library was originally built as a palace by Frigyes Wenckheim, and some of the rooms on the 4th floor have been conserved in their original, Baroque form. When not rented out for events, they function as ordinary reading rooms accessible to all members of the library or, if you are just passing by, you can also buy a ‘tourist ticket’ and simply marvel at their beauty.
Helikon Library (Keszthely)
Located inside the Festetics Palace of Keszthely, this is the sole intact aristocratic library of Hungary. It houses over 86,000 items, collected over more than 200 years, and is still used by researchers. The Festetics Codex of 1494, the most beautifully decorated Hungarian-language codex from the Middle Ages, was kept here for almost 150 years before being transferred to the National Széchényi Library in fear that it would become damaged during the Second World War. The oldest manuscript in the collection, a chronicle titled Chronica Hungarorum, dates from 1488.
Library of the Pannonhalma Archabbey
While the current building is relatively new, built in the 19th century, the library of the Benedictine monks of Pannonhalma has existed for much longer: the first mention of the collection dates from 1090, making it the oldest library in Hungary. As part of the Archabbey, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you can tear your eyes away from the gallery with gorgeous Greek-style columns, on the ceiling, you can see a painting of the goddess Minerva and the portraits of the greatest figures of Hungarian history.
Library of the Cistercian Abbey of Zirc
Some of the books in this library were not as lucky as the Festetics Codex to be saved from the turmoils of war.
During the Second World War, a fighter jet crashed into the library’s roof, severely damaging both the furniture and many items in the collection.
