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 are looking for beautiful places to study or read in the city, follow our selection of the most beautiful 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 beautiful 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 reservation, just call: 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 the Trevi Fountain. The birth of this library is due to Filippo Neri and the Congregation of the Oratory. For the Oratorians, in fact, it was very important at dinnertime to read and discuss a religious text. The first library collection was thus created thanks to the works of Filippo Neri, born in Florence in 1515 and 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, training them.
Today the library holds about 130,000 volumes: you can find works of a historical-ecclesiastical, erudite, patristic and theological nature, texts on philosophy, law, botany, astronomy, medicine and architecture. Opening hours are as follows:
- Mondays 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m;
- Tuesday 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m;
- Wednesday 8.15am-7.15pm;
- Thursday 8:15 a.m.-7:15 p.m;
- Fridays 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.
Chamber of Deputies Library
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
The Casanatense Library is one of the oldest libraries in Rome. This beautiful structure, a must-visit if you love books, was inaugurated on November 3, 1701 and today holds about 400,000 volumes. Opening hours are:
- Mondays 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 geographic 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.