Library of the University of Bologna, university and public library in Bologna, Italy
The Library of the University of Bologna is housed in Palazzo Poggi, a stately building in the city center with decorated columns and arched windows on its facades. Inside, it holds thousands of books, manuscripts, paintings, and furniture from different periods, arranged across elegant rooms with ornate ceilings and detailed artwork.
The library was established in the early 1700s when a Bolognese noble named Luigi Ferdinando Marsili donated his scientific collections to the city. Pope Benedetto XIV, who was born in Bologna, greatly expanded the collection around 1755 by gifting about 25,000 printed volumes and many manuscripts.
The library occupies a central place in Bologna's academic life and serves as a gathering point for students and researchers seeking knowledge in a calm setting. The name reflects its role as part of the university, marking its importance to the city's scholarly traditions.
Visitors can explore the historic rooms during weekday mornings or join a free guided tour that lasts about an hour and is offered in Italian or English. The best times to visit are during regular weekday hours, and additional tours are available once a month on a Saturday morning.
The Aula Magna, the main reading hall, is decorated with 28 terracotta busts depicting famous scholars that symbolize different fields of knowledge. This arrangement helps visitors visually understand and appreciate the library's diverse collection areas.
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