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Biblioteca comunale dell'Archiginnasio

Monuments & Sites, Museums & Art Centres
Biblioteca comunale dell'Archiginnasio is the largest library in Emilia-Romagna, containing  approximately 850,000 books, manuscripts, monographs, periodicals and a large collection of manuscripts from 10th century until the present day.

In particular the manuscripts from the 16th-19th centuries are significant.

The building, commissioned by Pope Pius IV, was opened in 1563 and housed the university until 1803. Since 1838 it has been housing the Library.

The walls are painted with 6000 coat of arms from students who have been elected 'councillors', heads of the 'nationes' or student organizations.

Noteworthy are the "Sala dello Stabat Mater" in memory of the first performance (March 18, 1842) of Rossini's Stabat Mater, directed by Gaetano Donizetti, and 'Anatomical Theatre'. The latter was built as an amphitheater by Antonio Levant in 1636, and used for anatomy lessons. It is decorated with statues.

For more detailed informations, see website

 

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Biblioteca comunale dell'Archiginnasio

Piazza Galvani 1
40124 Bologna BO
Italy