Budapest's Most Beautiful Library in the World: Ervin Szabó Library

The other day, I went to the Ervin Szabó Library in Budapest, known as the most beautiful library in the world.

Do you all like libraries? When I was a child, there was a large, beautiful municipal library near my elementary school, and I used to spend all my time there. Beyond just loving books, I love that quiet atmosphere of a library.

Since I lived in the city center as an adult, I didn't have one near my house, or there were only small libraries inside buildings, so I lost the opportunity to go. Is it a common thing that libraries in the countryside are more impressive?

This time, I learned that there was a beautiful library in Budapest from a travelogue by a Japanese person I happened to see, and I decided I had to go.

This library is located near Kálvin tér, in the center of Budapest. It was originally a count's palace. Right after entering, the layout is that of a very ordinary library, which is a bit plain, but if you go up the stairs to the back of the fourth floor, there are several gorgeous Baroque-style rooms.

It is truly a ballroom like the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. Looking at past photos, it seems that desks used to be lined up here. They aren't there now. What a pity. Maybe it's because the number of tourists has increased.

If you head to the right side after entering the Hall of Mirrors, several rooms appear. Each has different decorations. In the other rooms, there were desks and chairs, and many people were studying or working. Oh, I'm going to work here next time too! Actually, I made an annual pass. It was only 400 HUF. Wow... isn't that much cheaper than going to a cafe? If I design here, I feel like I could create some amazing designs! Clients! Please look forward to it!

Returning to the Hall of Mirrors, there is another room on the opposite side. Personally, this was my favorite. Look at this profound decoration...

I have visited several European mansions in the past, but this might be the first time I've seen such wooden decorative designs. It's gorgeous yet dandy and has a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for working. I've decided to make this one of my workplaces from now on. Haha. Well, on the way home, I had lunch at Tifliso restaurant, a Georgian restaurant I found near the library.

The chilled Georgian white wine and the piping hot soup were delicious! The bread and paste that came as an appetizer also had a robust flavor and were tasty. In a world where it's hard to find restaurants that make you think 'delicious!', this place was great. I want to come again. The staff all had very long beards... I wonder if that's the style for Georgian men?

After returning home from lunch, I got sleepy and took a nap. A Saturday spent slowly in the rain was the best!