Biblioteca universitaria Alessandrina, Conservation library and state public library at Rector's Building in Rome, Italy
The Alessandrina University Library in Rome houses multiple reading rooms equipped for different types of research, from traditional manuscripts to digital resources. Its collections include historical documents, maps, photographs, and periodicals spanning various disciplines and time periods.
Pope Alexander VII founded this library in 1667 as part of the Studium Urbis university, with architect Francesco Borromini designing spaces within Palazzo della Sapienza. Over the centuries it evolved from an institutional collection into a major research repository.
The library maintains substantial collections of manuscripts, periodicals, photographs, and geographical maps, contributing to Italian academic research and preservation efforts.
The library is centrally located in Rome and primarily serves academic researchers across numerous fields of study. Visitors should plan adequate time to navigate the different subject areas and locate specific materials.
From 1815 onward, this library received a copy of every book published in the Papal State, creating an exceptional record of regional printing history. This systematic collection makes it an invaluable documentation of publication activity during that era.
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