The Most Breathtaking Libraries

Mafra National Palace Library

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Built in the 18th-century, this lavish library has colorful marble floors and endless rows of wooden shelves. The large windows flood the building with natural light and the elegant white ceilings make for a truly picturesque scene!

Most Portuguese locals will recommend you not stay after hours. While this library is a book lover’s dream in the day, it transforms into something out of a horror story at night. This is because in order to keep all of their 35,000 books safe from damaging insects, the library releases bats.

Yes, you read that right. BATS! Upwards of 500 of these creepy little critters are released every night and roam freely throughout the library. That’s one way to get rid of silverfish!

StockPhotosArt / Shutterstock

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