Places of Interest in Vienna

Austrian National Library
(Österreichische Nationalbibliothek)

Josefsplatz 1, A-1010, Wien, Tel: 534 10, Fax: 534 10 280, Website: www.onb.ac.at, U-Bahn: Karlsplatz 

Having evolved out of the medieval Ducal Library that belonged to the Habsburgs, the institution later became known (for a number of centuries) as the Imperial Court Library, with its collection steadily growing through gifts and acquisitions. Although the demise of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy meant it was eventually taken over by the State, today it still ranks as one of the most important libraries in the world (with more than six million items in its possession).

The Habsburg legacy has ensured that the library’s collection contains many extremely rare and famous volumes. For example, the oldest book - The Holy Gospels of Johannes von Troppaudates - dates back to 1368 and was first acquired by Emperor Friedrich III. Early volumes are on display in the magnificent State Hall (Prunksaal) of the library, while of particular importance is the collection of around 15,000 volumes gathered by Eugene of Savoy (probably the foremost collector of books in the 18th century). The State Hall was itself designed by the famous Viennese architect Johann Fischer von Erlach (architect of the Karlskirche) and is a grandiose, truly sumptuous affair. Here, the Baroque frescoes by the Viennese artist Daniel Gran are simply stunning.

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