Biblioteca Civica Bertoliana, Conservation library in Vicenza, Italy
The Biblioteca Civica Bertoliana is a research library housed in a former monastery in central Vicenza, preserving baroque architectural features. The building stores approximately 450,000 books, manuscripts, and historical documents spanning different periods.
The library was founded in 1708 through a significant book donation given to the city, establishing it as a public resource for learning. The building originally served a different purpose before being converted into this cultural institution.
The name honors Giovanni Maria Bertolo, a scholar whose personal collection became the foundation of this institution. The building reflects its monastic past and attracts visitors interested in local heritage and regional identity.
Visitors can explore the facilities and see how such collections are stored and preserved, though access to specialized resources follows regulations. It helps to check ahead about which areas are open to the public and how much time to allow for a visit.
During World War II, the most valuable items were hidden in multiple locations to protect them from damage during the conflict. These protective measures helped preserve a major portion of the collection for future readers.
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