National Library

The National Library of Spain (Biblioteca Nacional) is situated in an impressive neoclassical building to one side of Plaza de Colón.

The library was founded by King Philip V in 1712 as the Palace Public Library. The Royal Letters Patent that he granted, the predecessor of the current legal deposit requirement, made it mandatory for printers to submit a copy of every book printed in Spain to the library. In 1836, the library's status as Crown property was revoked and ownership was transferred to the Ministry of Governance. At the same time, it was renamed the Biblioteca Nacional.

The facade of three entrance archways and wrought-iron gates is fantastically beautiful. The building also hosts statues of Alfonso X (The Wise) and San Isidoro before grand main staircase.

Other great works of art and sculpture adorn this beautiful bibiloteca, but the work of the library today is researching and archiving the history of Spain's documentary heritage. Tens of millions of articles await the scrutiny of the curious inquisitor here.

The building was opened to the public on 16 March 1896. In order to facilitate access to the distinct types of assets, it is divided into halls (salas): 19th century monographs (Sala General), antique assets (Sala Cervantes), journals and periodicals (Sala de Prensa y Revistas), engravings, photographs, maps and drawings (Sala Goya), music scores, sound records and audio-visual resources (Sala Barbieri).

This is a superb place for the bibliophile or researcher to spend hours. For the tourist, the building's beauty and the massive collection are well worth seeing.

Directions:

       National Library
       Paseo de Recoletos, 20-22
       28071 Madrid
       Phone: +34 91 580 78 00
       http://www.bne.es/

    Opening Hours:
       Monday to Friday: 9:00 to 21:00.
       Saturday: 9:00 to 14:00.

Subway transportation:
    * Line 4 - Colón station.