National Library Saints Cyril and Methodius

Overview

The National Library Saints Cyril and Methodius is Bulgaria's copyright deposit library and the country's largest library, named after the creators of the Glagolitic alphabet. The grand Neo-Classical building on Oborishte Street houses over 7 million items including rare manuscripts.

Highlights

• Rare Manuscripts: The library holds priceless Slavonic manuscripts, including some of the oldest Cyrillic texts in existence.
• Architecture: The imposing facade with Corinthian columns and the statues of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
• Exhibitions: Regular exhibitions of rare books and historical documents open to the public.

History

Founded in 1878 immediately after Bulgaria's liberation, the library was first housed in a single room. The current monumental building was constructed between 1940 and 1953. The library suffered devastating losses during Allied bombing in 1944.

Visitor Tips

• Public Exhibitions: Check for temporary exhibitions in the ground-floor gallery.
• Academic Resource: The reading rooms are open to researchers with proper identification.
• Duration: 15–30 minutes for a visit; longer for research.