In the digital age, we can get information instantaneously through different devices, but there are still reason to pick up a book as we can dive into researching without being distracted from the web. Similarly, going into a library may not be necessary for the sake of seeking knowledge. A trip down to the library now is almost like a pilgrimage, and many of them are beautifully built with hundreds of years worth of history. It is worth a visit even just for the architecture.

Italian photographer Massimo Listri visited some of the world’s oldest and most special libraries for the new extra large size photo book published by Taschen. With 560 pages, The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries features temples of knowledge dating as far back as 766, and some of them usually do not open to public such as the private library of the House of Medici designed by Michelangelo. Listri’s images doe not just capture the libraries’ physical built and  atmosphere, but also some of the precious collections. Each library’s story is also explained in detail, making this book an excellent reference from the history point of view also.