University Library, Heidelberg

The University Library houses about 3.2 million books, 10,732 scientific periodicals and about 500,000 other media, including microfilms and videotapes. It possesses 6,600 original manuscripts, most notably Codex Manesse, 1,800 incunabula, 110,500 autographs, a collection of old maps, paintings and photographs. From 1901 to 1905, a richly ornamented four-wing red sandstone building was constructed for the library across from the Church of St. Peter, designed by Josef Durm, adapting the Renaissance style of Heidelberg Castle with numerous Art Nouveau elements. The building has been expanded several times, lately with enlarged basements under the courtyard of the neighboring New University.