Palazzo Mensini, Palace and library in historic centre of Grosseto, Italy
Palazzo Mensini is a palace and library in the heart of Grosseto's old town, built in Renaissance Revival style with three floors and balanced proportions. The main front displays decorative stone details and houses the Chelliana Library, which holds an extensive collection of books.
The palace was designed by architect Giuseppe Luciani and opened in 1898, marking a new phase in Grosseto's architectural development. The building later became an important refuge for protecting valuable documents and books during challenging times in the twentieth century.
The Chelliana Library takes its name from Giovanni Chelli, a passionate collector whose dedication to rare books shaped the foundation of the collection now held here. Visitors can sense this historical connection when browsing the shelves and discovering works spanning different periods.
The building sits in the old town and is easy to reach on foot when walking through the narrow historic streets. The library operates with different hours depending on the day of the week, so checking ahead before your visit is helpful.
The original collection started with around 5.000 volumes from Chelli's personal holdings, including rare prints from the sixteenth century. These beginnings show how a personal passion grew into a public institution serving the community.
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