Introduction to the National Library: The National Library (Nationalbibliothek) is the most splendid building on Joseph Square. Together with the Hofburg Palace, it is a Baroque building designed by Fischer von Erlach.
The earliest record of book collection in the library was in the fourteenth century. By the sixteenth century it had begun to take shape. In 1920, the library was nationalized and contained 2.4 million volumes. , the most valuable collection of books is the 16,000 volumes of hardcover ancient books with gilt covers that were moved from the Prince Eugen Library. It is one of the most famous libraries in the world.
The Grand Hall (Prunksaal) in the National Library is 78 meters long, 14 meters wide and 19 meters high. The indoor marble columns and colorful ceiling decoration are amazing and can be called a masterpiece of Baroque style. Today, this grand hall is mainly used for exhibitions.