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Biblioteca Nacional de España

Step into the Biblioteca Nacional de España and feel the weight of centuries of knowledge and culture. Founded in 1711 by King Philip V, this grand institution began as the Royal Library and has grown into Spain’s largest and most important library, a true treasure chest of the nation’s heritage. Located in the heart of Madrid, its majestic building on Paseo de Recoletos is a landmark of learning and history. What makes the Biblioteca Nacional so special? It’s not just a place for scholars—it’s a living museum of stories, ideas, and art. Here, you’ll find priceless treasures: ancient manuscripts, rare first editions, stunning maps, and even original works by literary giants like Cervantes. The library’s vast collection includes everything from medieval incunabula to modern digital archives, offering a journey through Spain’s rich past and vibrant present. Visitors can wander through elegant halls, admire historic architecture, and discover fascinating exhibitions that bring history to life. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a history lover, or exploring with family, the Biblioteca Nacional invites you to uncover the stories that shaped a nation. It’s a place where every book, every artifact, and every corner whispers tales of discovery and imagination.

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Biblioteca Nacional de España

Queen Isabel II placed the first stone in 1866, and this neoclassical palace took 30 years to finish—your school journey doubled. Those massive columns on Paseo de Recoletos guard 26 million treasures: ancient royal manuscripts, books saved during Spain's Civil War, and every book printed in Spain since 1716, because the law says they MUST arrive here. The Reading Room squeezed 320 readers at once, and in 1955, workers tripled the underground vaults beneath your feet for more secrets. This palace is where Spanish culture lives and breathes.

Did You Know?

  • :La Biblioteca Nacional de España fue fundada en 1711 por el rey Felipe V y abrió sus puertas en 1712 como Real Biblioteca Pública, convirtiéndose en la primera biblioteca pública de España y uno de los primeros espacios culturales abiertos a todos los estudiosos en el país.
  • El edificio actual de la Biblioteca Nacional en el Paseo de Recoletos, inaugurado en 1896, fue diseñado para albergar un Salón de Lectura con capacidad para 320 lectores y cuenta con una fachada decorada con esculturas de personajes ilustres de la cultura española, como Cervantes y Lope de Vega, que reciben a los visitantes en la escalinata principal.
  • Durante la Guerra Civil Española, la Biblioteca Nacional salvó cerca de 500.000 volúmenes al almacenar libros y obras de arte confiscados de iglesias, palacios y casas privadas, protegiendo así un tesoro invaluable del patrimonio cultural español.
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