The Humanist Library in Sélestat

A leading tourist attraction in Alsace

Founded in 1452 and often considered as Alsace's oldest public library, the Humanist Library is actually a combination of two different establishments: the library of the Latin School of Sélestat and the library of the humanist Beatus Rhenanus. As one of Alsace's leading tourist attractions, it is also one of the few libraries in Europe to have retained all of its collections intact. The items housed here are consequently of an inestimable value and diversity. Researchers head here from all over Europe to consult the library's huge collection of ancient books.

Exhibits of inestimable value

Thanks to an extensive collection of works in its ancient book collection, this library offers a fascinating exhibition area tracing the history of books from the 7th to the 16th century. Bookworms will definitely be in their element here! The history of printing in Alsace in the 15th and 16th centuries is also explained, accompanied by a number of displays featuring some of the library's very best pieces including: a Merovingian lectionary dating from the 7th century, Vitruvius' architectural treaty from the 10th century, a copy of the Charlemagne's capitularies (9th century) an illustrated Bible dating from the 13th century in addition to numerous incunabula (a total of 550 of these are stored here). Numerous manuscripts, books and letters also bear witness to the lives of Beatus Rheanus and Sélestat's humanists. A number of ancient maps round off this exciting jog-trot through Alsatian history. Finally, the library is also home to a document dating from 1521, proving that Sélestat was the birthplace of the Christmas tree. This document contains the only written reference to a Christmas tree dating from this period.

info :

Bibliothèque Humaniste
1 rue de la Bibliothèque
67600 Selestat
Tél : 03 88 58 07 20
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Ouverture :

Open from 01/01/2012
Horaires d'accueil: Temps de l'Avent: ouvert les samedis et dimanches après-midi 14h-17h. Ouvert lundi, mer à ven 9h -12h et 14h - 18h + samedi 9h - 12h. Juillet et août : idem + sam - dim 14h-17h. Visites guidées gratuites à partir de 5 pers. le jeudi (du 7 juillet au 15 septembre) 10h, le dimanche (du 3 juillet au 28 août) 14h30, les mercredis 20 juillet et 17 août 20h3
Fermeture hebdomadaire: Mardi, Dimanche après midi