Seven world libraries in the UNESCO heritage list; Guardian bats and chained books!

For book and architecture lovers, libraries are more than wooden shelves and manuscripts. These sites show how knowledge has been formed and preserved over the centuries. (Condé Nast Traveler)

In this article, we examine seven stunning libraries that are located in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Places that each tell a unique story of history and art.

The Joanina Library at the University of Coimbra, Portugal is a jewel from the Baroque era.

Photographer: Unknown / AGB Photo Library

This library was built in the 18th century and contains more than 60,000 books in the fields of medicine, law and theology. The amazing thing about this place is the presence of a colony of bats that protect valuable books from damage by hunting insects at night.

The Abbey Library of St. Gall in Switzerland is one of the oldest continuous learning spaces in Europe.

Photographer: Rafael_Wiedenmeier/Getty Images

The library’s Rococo Hall contains about 170,000 works, including medieval manuscripts. Visitors should wear soft felt slippers to protect the centuries-old wooden floors.

The Palafoxiana Library in Mexico, which was established in 1646, is considered the first public library in the Americas.

Photographer: G. DAGLI ORTI / Getty Images

It was created by donating the personal collection of Bishop Juan de Palafox to be an open source for students. The presence of several chained books in this collection shows the old ways of accessing and controlling knowledge.

Strahov Monastery Library (Strahov Monastery Library) in the Czech Republic includes two main halls “Theology” and “Philosophy”.

Photographer: Unknown / Getty Images

The paintings on the ceiling of these halls depict the evolution of human knowledge. The monastery is still active and preserves the living religious tradition that created the library.

The Laurenziana Library (Biblioteca Laurenziana) in Italy was designed by Michelangelo in the 1520s. This place was built to store the collection of manuscripts of the powerful Medici family.

Photographer: Unknown / DEA PICTURE LIBRARY

Unlike many libraries that rely on decorations, the architecture of this building emphasizes its scientific function and directs natural light into the study space.

The Library of the Monastery of El Escorial in Madrid was founded in the late 16th century.

Photographer: G. DAGLI ORTI / Getty Images

The shelving of this library is designed so that the books are placed vertically along the walls for better ventilation; A method that was very advanced in its time. The frescoes of this place depict liberal arts and medieval knowledge.

At Haeinsa Temple, located in Kayasan National Park, South Korea, there is a collection of 15th-century wooden buildings that serve as a repository for the Tripitaka Koreana.

This collection contains more than 80,000 wooden blocks of Buddhist texts. The architecture of this building, with its high floors and latticed windows, acts as a natural climate control system and has protected the wood from moisture and decay for centuries.

Photographer: Eye Ubiquitous / Getty Images

Now that we know this world heritage, which of these libraries would you like to experience? Share your opinion with us and other Kajaro audience.

Cover photo source: Getty Images Photographer: Olya Solodenko