As of: March 12, 2024, 9:09 a.m
By: Sven Trautwein
Libraries are cathedrals for books.
But what about spending the night in a hidden library in London's St. Paul's Cathedral?
Imagine spending a night among more than 22,000 books.
This is possible in St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
On March 15th, two people can stay in this secret chamber for just seven pounds (around €8.20).
It is the first time since World War II that an entire night can be spent there.
Sleeping between thousands of books
St Paul's Cathedral unveils its 'secret hidden library', which will be available on Airbnb for World Book Day.
© Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire/dpa
During this unique stay, guests enter the cathedral through the Dean's Door and climb the spiral staircase designed over 300 years ago by English architect Sir Christopher Wren, the
BBC
reports.
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After a welcome from the dean and a tour of the historic cathedral, we go up to the famous dome.
The highlight for all book fans awaits there: at the top of the stairs is the recently restored library from 1709. It houses a rare collection of more than 22,000 documents, ranging from medieval manuscripts to books from the earliest days of printing upcoming releases are enough.
Sandra Lynes Timbrell, director of visitor engagement at St Paul's, said: "The recently restored library is a hidden gem of the cathedral - cleverly hidden by the brilliant architecture of Sir Christopher Wren."
The next morning, after breakfast, guests receive signed and stamped copies of as-yet-unpublished books — including Holly Jackson's "The Reappearance of Rachel Price" and John Grisham's "Camino Ghosts," according to the
Guardian
.
This experience, which costs seven pounds per night, will be available to book via Airbnb.
Booking requests are possible from March 12th at 10am.
Amanda Cupples, Airbnb's general manager for Northern Europe, said she was "excited" about the opportunity to open the library's doors to bookworms, history buffs and those seeking a unique experience in the capital.
Followers on Instagram are also enthusiastic about the BBC post:
“The night of my dreams.”
“We should definitely do that.”
“At that price, I have to be there.”
“I think we should do this.”
Would you like to explore libraries à la “Harry Potter”?
It's not just St. Paul's Cathedral that houses hidden libraries.
Many others also offer secret passages.
One of the most beautiful libraries is in Munich, while the largest public library is in Amsterdam.