Lovers of reading and study can find refuge in the beautiful libraries that the Eternal City makes available to the public. Places where peace and silence reign and where you can find that concentration needed to prepare for an exam or finally finish that book you’ve been carrying around for months.
If you’re looking for beautiful places to study or read in the city, follow our selection of the best libraries in the capital.
Angelica Library
Among the oldest libraries in Europe is the Angelica Library, in the former Convent of the Augustinian Fathers. Next to the Basilica of St. Augustine in Campo Marzio is this very fine structure, dating back to the mid-18th century, which holds about 200,000 volumes, including more than 100,000 edited from the 15th to the 19th century (the library’s ancient collection).
In the library you will find the so-called Vanvitellian “vase, ” the reading room named for the architect who created it, Luigi Vanvitelli.
The library is currently closed to the public for renovations; it should reopen in April (so we were told). Visits are always made by appointment, just call the number: 06 684 0801.
Where: Piazza di S. Agostino, 8, 00186 Rome.
Vallicelliana Library
Among the many public libraries in Rome, in the Parione district we find the Vallicelliana library, a short distance from Trevi Fountain. The birth of this library is due to Philip Neri and the Congregation of the Oratory. For Oratorians, in fact, it was very important at dinnertime to read and discuss a religious text. The first book collection was thus created through the works of Philip Neri, who was born in Florence in 1515 and was a very important figure in the age of the Counter-Reformation. In Rome he was involved in helping the sick, the poor and the young, forming them.
Today the library holds about 130,000 volumes: you can find works of historical-ecclesiastical, erudite, patristic and theological nature, texts on philosophy, law, botany, astronomy, medicine and architecture. The opening hours are as follows:
- monday 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m;
- tuesday 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m;
- wednesday 8:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m;
- thursday 8:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m;
- friday 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m.
We always recommend checking the official website for any updates on openings and closures, especially in summer.
Where: Via della Chiesa Nuova, 18, 00186 Rome.
Library chamber of deputies
Before 1988 it was not possible to visit it, but now it is open to the public! The Library of the Chamber of Deputies “Nilde Iotti,” founded in 1848, is one of the two libraries of the Italian Parliament united in the Parliamentary Library Pole. Reservations are not required, and you can stay safely in the reading rooms. It is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Via del Seminario 76, Rome.
Casanatense Library
La casanatense Library is one of the oldest libraries in Rome. This beautiful structure, a must-visit if you love books, was opened on Nov. 3, 1701, and today holds some 400,000 volumes. Opening hours are:
- monday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
- tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m
- friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
Where: Via di S. Ignazio, 52, 00186 Rome.
Library of the Italian geographical society
Do you love geography? Not everyone knows that Rome is home to “the most important geographical library collection in Italy, and among the largest in Europe.” You can find it in the library of the Italian Geographical Society, located in the Villa Celimontana. Guided tours must be booked in advance and can be held only if there are at least 15 participants. You can write to: biblioteca@societageografica.it.
Where: via della Navicella, 12 – 00184 Rome.