Biblioteca Nacional de Espana
About
The Biblioteca Nacional de España, located in Madrid, is the country’s largest public library and one of the world’s largest in its category. Founded in 1711 by King Philip V, the library’s headquarters occupy the architecturally significant Paseo Recoletos building, which houses a magnificent collection of over 26 million items, including 15 million books, 30 thousand manuscripts and more than 900 thousand other media. Visitors can explore the historic reading rooms, see the imposing staircase and sculptures dedicated to San Isidoro, Alonso Berruguete and Alfonso X el Sabio, and enjoy free exhibitions, guided tours and cultural events. Access to the library’s collections is free for all; a library card is required for certain restricted materials. The library offers a range of services—catalogue searching, document reproduction, inter‑library loans, and specialised research guides—accessible both in‑person and online. With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, the library caters to researchers, history enthusiasts, families and casual visitors who want to discover Spain’s rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
- Historical Headquarters
- Extensive Collections
- Free Exhibitions
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Late spring and early autumn are ideal for visiting to avoid the busiest periods.
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 2 hours