Royal Library of Turin, Conservation library in Turin, Italy.
The Royal Library of Turin is a conservation library housed within the Royal Palace of Turin, holding over 200,000 volumes that range from ancient manuscripts to engravings and illuminated texts. It is part of the Savoy royal residence complex and forms one of the most important state public libraries in Italy.
King Charles Albert founded the library in 1839 to make the House of Savoy's collections available to scholars and to strengthen the cultural standing of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Over time, the holdings grew through donations and acquisitions, which gradually shaped the collection as it exists today.
The library sits inside the Royal Palace complex, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so entering it means stepping into one of the most layered royal residences in Italy. The reading rooms are used by researchers who work directly with original manuscripts, creating a focused and quiet working environment.
The library is located inside the Royal Palace near Piazza Castello in central Turin, making it easy to reach on foot or by public transport from most parts of the city. Opening hours vary by day of the week, so it is worth checking in advance before planning your visit.
The library holds thirteen drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, among them a portrait long believed to be a self-portrait, which is one of the very few known likenesses of the artist. This makes Turin one of the few places in the world where you can consult original Leonardo works in person.
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