Biblioteca antoniana, Theological library in Padua, Italy.
Biblioteca Antoniana is a theological library in Padua housed next to Basilica del Santo, containing thousands of books and manuscripts spanning religious scholarship. The reading rooms have classical architectural design and preserve collections ranging from ancient Hebrew texts to medieval choir books.
The library was founded in the late 1500s and has preserved its original collections through the centuries that followed. It survived major threats to its holdings, most notably when armies attempted to remove manuscripts during the Napoleonic period.
The collection reflects centuries of religious study and learning that shaped this community. The hand-illuminated choir books and Hebrew texts still speak to the spiritual traditions that defined Padua for generations.
Access to the reading rooms is controlled and may require registration ahead of your visit. The library offers internet connectivity and specialized theological resources, so it helps to know what you are looking for before arriving.
The main hall was decorated in the early 1700s with a central rosette painted by Ferdinando Focchi in 1702. This ornamental detail gives the reading space its distinctive character and reflects the aesthetic choices of that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
