Biblioteca Ambrosiana, Conservation library in Milan, Italy
The Biblioteca Ambrosiana is a conservation library in Milan housed in a Baroque building. Its interior features high ceilings, extensive wooden bookshelves, and marble columns that span multiple floors.
A cardinal founded the institution in 1602 and sent representatives to Europe and the Middle East to gather manuscripts and books. This early collecting activity built the foundation for one of Europe's major manuscript collections.
The library holds manuscripts from different cultures and periods, including texts from the Benedictine monastery of Bobbio and the Pinelli collection. These diverse holdings show the founder's desire to gather knowledge from across the world.
Access is through scheduled appointments with the library's research department to view the reading rooms and manuscript collections. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure a smooth visit.
The building holds twelve Leonardo da Vinci manuscripts, including the Codex Atlanticus with his technical drawings and scientific observations. This collection reveals Leonardo's wide-ranging interests in art, science, and engineering.
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