Hidden behind heavy doors, traversed by winding staircases and corridors lined with bookshelves, they are jewels of European culture.
True masterpieces of architecture, these monastic libraries hold, in particular, the most beautiful editions of the Bible. They also preserve many wonderfully calligraphed works enhanced with gold, and countless liturgical books that give off a fragrance of incense. The most beautiful Gospels are traced in silver letters on purple parchments.
View the slideshow to see images of the most beautiful monastic libraries in the world:
