Libraries are sometimes like sacred temples (if you are also a bookworm as we are, you probably know what we are talking about…). Libraries can be lots of things: the perfect place to hide for a while from the crowded city, an oasis in the middle of the caos. A refugee where books are always there, waiting for you to build that imaginary world through them. A library might be literally a comfort zone.
We love libraries (in case it wasn’t clear yet after this 5-line improvised “ode to libraries” ;-)). And if we had to choose one library in Barcelona, one of the best libraries in Barcelona, we wouldn’t hesitate to answer that question. Dipòsit de les Aigües is our favourite library in Barcelona for many reasons. So in case you haven’t been there yet, let us explain a bit how this magic place is before you decide to visit it (which we highly recommend to do).
What was the Depòsit de les Aigües created for?
In 1880 Dipòsit de les Aigues was inaugurated with a main objective: the regulation of the watercourse from Parc de la Ciutadella’s waterfall and also watering the gardens. So this construcción was traced from a Roman prototype, including a maze of arches 14 meters high. After a century of many different uses (firefighters warehouse, municipal asylum, archive of justice…), in 1992 Universitat Pompeu Fabra became owner of these public facilities.
What makes Dipòsit de les Aigües one of the best libraries in Barcelona?
The architecture reminds us of a sacred place. Those high arches, that soft light and the silence, in perfect harmony.
Other beautiful libraries in Barcelona
Besides Dipòsit de les Aigües, there are many beautiful libraries in Barcelona. Here are some other of the best libraries in Barcelona:
Biblioteca Jaume Fuster (Lesseps)
A building with huge glass windows which let light in easily. And that is one of the perks of this library: it is such a bright space thanks to that natural light. It also has an indoors/outdoors bar where you can have some coffee or eat a sandwich.
Biblioteca de Catalunya
A beautiful building on the outside but also on the inside. It also has high arches and walls made out of stone. Walking inside Biblioteca de Catalunya means also enjoying a nice trip back to the past.
Biblioteca Arús
A library which might teleport you to ancient times and also to the United States, since in Biblioteca Arús there is a Statue of Liberty placed in the entrance of this building.
Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez
Built recently, this library has received the award of Best Public Library of 2022 by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).