Biblioteca Casanatense, State public library in Rome, Italy
The Biblioteca Casanatense is a state public library in Rome that holds extensive collections displayed in grand reading rooms and storage areas. The collection spans historical books, handwritten works, and early printed editions from different periods and cultures.
A cardinal founded this library in the early 1700s and contributed a significant private book collection to establish it. Over time, the collection grew through acquisitions and donations, becoming a center for scholarly research.
The library holds rare collections of Greek manuscripts, Hebrew texts, and Italian documents that visitors can study in its reading rooms. These holdings show how scholarly collections preserved and shared knowledge across centuries.
The library sits near the Pantheon in Rome's historic center and is easily reached on foot. Visitors should check beforehand which parts of the collection are open for viewing, as some sections are reserved for research use.
A large marble portrait of one of the founders stands in a main reading room, marking the library's origins. The sculpture was relocated to its current spot to commemorate an expansion of the building.
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