Biblioteca Santiago Severin

Biblioteca Santiago Severin showing heritage elements
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
Discover a vast collection of books and take a guided tour to learn about the history of this resplendent neoclassical building.

The Biblioteca Santiago Severín is a historic library located in the heart of Valparaíso’s El Almendral district. Find thousands of books from around the world, from children’s books to magazines and works of literature. Delve into the library’s history on a guided tour and attend cultural events including live music performances and poetry readings.

Start your visit by walking around the outside of the building. Gaze in awe at the whitewashed façade, which blends neoclassical and Renaissance architectural styles. Notice the Greek-style pilasters, intricately carved capitals and portico windows. Established in 1873, much of the building dates back to the 1910s. It became a national monument in 1998. After a 2010 earthquake caused damage, some areas were restored.

Step inside to see a palace-like structure featuring regal salons, elegant balconies and grand staircases. The best way to see the interior is to take a tour with a well-informed guide. Discover the history of the library’s founders and how it has changed through the years. Walk through various halls, where you can see library members searching for and reading books.

Time your visit to coincide with one of the library’s regular cultural events. These include book launches, movie screenings and music performances. One prior example is the Festival Internacional de Animación Chilemonos, a family-friendly event aimed at promoting the development of animation in Latin America.

The library is open from Monday to Friday and admission is free. Guided tours are in Spanish only. Ask for more information at the library’s reception area.

The Biblioteca Santiago Severín is close to several other attractions in Valparaíso’s El Almendral district. A 5-minute walk away is the lively palm-shaded Plaza Victoria, the Gothic-style Iglesia Catedral de Valparaíso and the Museo de Historia Natural. Getting to the library is easy via public buses, taxis and shared taxis. You can also catch the metro to Bellavista station and walk about 1,600 feet (500 metres).

Plan a trip to see Biblioteca Santiago Severin

ICON Hotel
Hotel Almasur Providencia
Altiplanico Bellas Artes
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Maki Hostels & Suites Valparaiso
Maki Hostels & Suites Valparaiso
3 out of 5
Urriola 428, Cerro Alegre, Valparaiso, Valparaiso
Maki Hostels & Suites Valparaiso
Diego De Almagro Valparaiso
Diego De Almagro Valparaiso
3 out of 5
Molina 76 Ciudad, Valparaiso, Valparaiso
Diego De Almagro Valparaiso
Winebox Valparaiso
Winebox Valparaiso
3 out of 5
763 Baquedano, Valparaiso, Región de Valparaíso
Winebox Valparaiso
Hotel Boutique 17
Hotel Boutique 17
3 out of 5
Calle Papudo N°557, Cerro Concepción, Valparaiso, Valparaiso
Hotel Boutique 17
Fauna Hotel
Fauna Hotel
3 out of 5
Paseo Dimalow 166, Valparaiso, Valparaiso
Fauna Hotel
Hotel Boutique Casa Vander
Hotel Boutique Casa Vander
3.5 out of 5
135 Paseo Dimalow, Valparaiso, Valparaíso
Hotel Boutique Casa Vander
Casa Galos Hotel & Lofts
Casa Galos Hotel & Lofts
3 out of 5
#893 Templeman, Cerro Alegre, Valparaiso, Valparaiso
Casa Galos Hotel & Lofts
Gran Hotel Gervasoni
Gran Hotel Gervasoni
4 out of 5
Paseo Gervasoni N1, Cerro Concepcion, Valparaiso, Valparaiso
Gran Hotel Gervasoni
BO Hotel & Terraza
BO Hotel & Terraza
4 out of 5
Almirante Montt 677, Valparaiso, Valparaiso
BO Hotel & Terraza
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.