National Library of Wales
Perched on Penglais Hill above Aberystwyth, the National Library of Wales is one of the most important cultural institutions in the United Kingdom and the guardian of the nation’s written heritage. Founded by Royal Charter in 1907, the library houses an extraordinary collection of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, artworks and archives that document the history and identity of Wales. One of the most fascinating facts about the library is that it is one of the UK’s legal deposit libraries, meaning it receives a copy of every book published in Britain and Ireland. As a result, its collections contain millions of items, making it one of the largest libraries in the country. Inside, visitors can explore a range of exhibitions showcasing some of Wales’s most treasured historical documents and cultural artefacts. The permanent Treasures exhibition displays rare and iconic items from the collections, while other galleries feature art, photography, broadcasting archives and displays that reveal different aspects of Welsh history and society. Among the library’s greatest treasures are priceless medieval manuscripts, including some of the oldest surviving texts written in Welsh. The collections also include historic maps, newspapers, family records, photographs and works of art that provide a remarkable insight into the nation’s past.
Aberystwyth Wales
The National Library of Wales is a monumental cultural institution perched on a hill overlooking Cardigan Bay. Established in 1907, it stands as one of the great research libraries of the world and the national memory of Wales. Inside its grand classical building, visitors can explore millions of books, historical maps, rare manuscripts, and the National Screen and Sound Archive. The library also features rotating art exhibitions showcasing the finest Welsh paintings, topographical prints, and national treasures, alongside peaceful reading rooms and sweeping panoramic views across the town.The library is located at Penglais Hill, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BU, Wales, United Kingdom. It sits on the elevated slopes of Penglais, just above the town centre and adjacent to the Aberystwyth University campus. Because of its elevated setting in Aberystwyth, visiting the library places you very close to several top cultural and historic attractions. Down the hill in the town centre sits Ceredigion Museum, while the coastal headland features the atmospheric ruins of 13th-century Aberystwyth Castle. Nearby on the seafront, you can ride the historic Aberystwyth Cliff Railway up Constitution Hill. Traveling slightly further out into Ceredigion leads to the 18th-century Dyfi Furnace, the Borth Station Museum, the Georgian estate of Llanerchaeron, and the historic ruins of Strata Florida Abbey.
Castle
Museum