Biblioteca Nacional

An impressive national library

Address:

Paseo de Recoletos, 20 - Clara Del Rey
28071 - Retiro & Paseo del Prado
Madrid

Nearest Bus or Train:

Línea 4, estaciones de Colón y Serrano

Open Hours:

9a-9p M-F, 9a-2p Sa

An impressive neoclassical building to one side of Plaza de Colón, it's spectacular façade features three entrance archways with wrought-iron gates and an upper gallery decorated with elaborate carvings and Corinthian columns. Statues of Alfonso X (The Wise) and San Isidoro stand on the grand main staircase. Alongside the main doors, you'll be welcomed by images of Lope de Vega, Cervantes, Antonio de Nebrija and other famous Spanish writers like Santa Teresa, Quevedo and Fray Luis de León. It was built during the reign of Isabel II in the 19th century and contains more than five million books. Admission: free

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