Library of the Cusanusstift

The Library of the Cusanusstift is a collection of manuscripts and theological texts housed in a historic building that forms part of the larger St. Nikolaus-Hospital complex along the Moselle River. The rooms hold old texts that have been carefully gathered and maintained over many centuries.

The scholar Nicholas of Cusa founded this institution in 1458 as a foundation that combined shelter and medical care for the needy with a center for scholarly study. Over the decades, the collection grew and the spaces remained a place of learning and faith.

The library bears the name of its founder Nicholas of Cusa and remains cared for by a small community dedicated to preserving the collection. Visitors can sense how scholarly pursuit and spiritual devotion have always been woven together within these spaces.

The library is located in Bernkastel-Kues on the Moselle in a section of the larger hospital complex that is easily reached on foot. Visitors should plan ahead as opening hours are limited and prior arrangement may be needed to view the collection.

Manuscript 52 in the collection holds one of the few complete copies of the Proverbia Grecorum, a rare work of ancient Greek wisdom that survived through the centuries. This document is rarely found elsewhere and makes the library a significant keeper of scholarly treasures.