Biblioteca Capitolare di Verona

The Biblioteca Capitolare is a medieval library in Verona that houses more than 1,200 manuscripts. Its collections span theology, law, poetry, philosophy, astronomy, medicine, and botany.

The library was founded in 380 and survived numerous invasions and natural disasters. Significant damage came from an American bombing raid in 1945.

The library preserves the Veronese riddle, documented as the first known vernacular text written in cursive within the margins of a Mozarabic prayer book. This work illustrates the early writing traditions that developed in the region.

Access to the library is at Piazza Duomo 19, where visitors can join guided tours. These tours combine exploration of the library with the adjacent Duomo complex.

The Ursicinus Codex was completed in 517 and is the oldest dated document from early Western civilization. It confirms the existence of early scriptoria and stands as a rare witness to that era.

Location: Verona

Inception: 380

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Phone: +39045596516

Email: consultazione@bibliotecacapitolare.it

Website: http://cattedralediverona.it/Biblioteca%20Capitolare.html

GPS coordinates: 45.44684,10.99682

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:59