Sala Borsa, Art Nouveau library in Bologna, Italy.
Sala Borsa is an architectural ensemble in Bologna featuring Art Nouveau design with a striking iron and crystal ceiling that spans the main hall. The transparent structure floods the interior with daylight, creating a bright open environment where people can move freely through different areas.
The site began as a Roman settlement, then served as a botanical garden and telegraph office before becoming a stock exchange building in the late 1800s. Its Art Nouveau design reflects the architectural taste of that era when the building took its current form.
The name comes from its past role as a stock exchange, a place where merchants once gathered to do business. Today the space serves as a gathering spot for learning and community events, transforming it from a commercial hub into a place of public culture.
The building spreads across several levels with distinct areas, so take time to explore its different sections. There are dedicated spaces for children, study zones, and exhibition areas, all of which are accessible and easy to navigate.
A transparent floor reveals archaeological remains of different ancient civilizations directly beneath the main square. Visitors can see Villanovan and Etruscan artifacts from past eras as they walk across the glass surface.
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