The BnL makes available online two manuscripts bearing witness to the history of Luxembourg

As part of its ambitious programme to digitise Luxembourg’s written heritage, the National Library (BnL) is making available online two manuscripts of exceptional historical value: the Codex Mariendalensis and the Giant Bible of Saint Maximin. These documents, witnesses to the cultural origins of Luxembourg, constitute a fundamental pillar of its national heritage.

The digitisation of these manuscripts makes this heritage accessible to the widest possible audience while ensuring the optimal conservation of the originals. This project forms part of the BnL’s strategy to make the country’s written heritage more visible and to respond to growing demand from both the general public and the research community, notably in the field of digital humanities.

The manuscripts are freely accessible via the portal eluxemburgensia.lu.

The Codex Mariendalensis

Acquired by the Luxembourg State in 2008 and now held in the collections of the National Library, the Codex Mariendalensis is an exceptional medieval manuscript dating from the early 14^th century. It contains the Life of Yolanda of Vianden, one of the most emblematic figures of the country’s religious history, told in 5,963 rhymed verses written in Moselle Franconian, a language closely related to modern Luxembourgish. This unique text is a major testimony to early Luxembourgish culture and language.

The Giant Bible of Saint Maximin

This medieval manuscript is the last known example of Giant Bibles written in the 11^th century to have been offered on the market. The BnL acquired this exceptional volume in 2024, in combination with a public fundraising appeal to ensure its conservation and promotion. In addition to its rarity, the Giant Bible of Saint Maximin is notable for its remarkable state of preservation and its close connection with the scriptorium of Echternach.