ANNA AMALIA DUCHESS LIBRARY

After a long and painstaking restoration and salvage of the books following a fire in 2004, the rococo hall of this superb library reopened its doors to the general public. Of the 50,000 books destroyed by fire, it is estimated that three quarters are "replaceable". These works, almost reduced to ashes, are being brought back to life... It's fascinating to watch the short documentary presented on site to understand how a half-burnt work is rescued, cared for and rehabilitated: it's a real work of art! We work like lace, as if we were tending a wounded hummingbird. These books were collected by the duchess and woman of letters Anna Amalia (1739-1807), who was passionate about literature. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, this sumptuous rococo hall contains some extremely rare books, some dating back to 1500. The walls may still bear witness to the passage of certain historical figures: Goethe, Schiller and many other illustrious figures with a passion for literature came to consult these precious volumes.

In addition to the Rococo Room, a work of art in itself, take time to visit the "Cube". A study center of bold, modern architecture. This is where you can consult and borrow library books. More than 160,000 books can be consulted in the reading area. An exceptional literary break on your visit to Weimar.