National Central Library in Florence: photos, reviews

About

Located in the heart of Florence, the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, or National Central Library of Florence, stands as an iconic testament to Italian heritage since its doors opened in 1747. As the largest library in Italy and one of Europe's foremost literary treasures, it boasts an incredible collection of around 6 million volumes, including rare incunabula, autographs, and manuscripts.

This remarkable institution is not only a beacon for bibliophiles but also a stunning exemplar of Florentine architecture. Visitors can explore its vast resources and striking design from 8:15 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and from 8:15 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturdays. For those interested in further enriching their visit, guided tours offer fascinating insights into the library's history and its impressive collections.

Easily accessible from both the Amerigo Vespucci airport and the Santa Maria Novella railway station, the library welcomes guests with the assistance of knowledgeable and courteous staff members, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Whether you're a scholar, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler, the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze is an essential stop in Florence.

Features

Wheelchair accessible

3.9

based on 396 reviews

Google

3.9/5 396 reviews

Clara Bianchi

La Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze è una delle più importanti biblioteche italiane ed europee. Il nucleo originario della biblioteca proviene dalle collezioni di Antonio Magliabechi, un grande erudito e letterato fiorentino, costituite da circa 30 000 volumi devoluti integralmente, secondo il lascito testamentario del 1714, «a beneficio universale della città di Firenze». Nel 1736, Gian Gastone de' Medici si interessò affinché la libreria Magliabechi diventasse la prima biblioteca pubblica fiorentina, comunemente denominata Magliabechiana. Agli inizi del 1900 si decise di trovare una collocazione definitiva che ospitasse la biblioteca e fu individuata l'area su cui sorge attualmente la Biblioteca, un edificio ampio in parte in stile eclettico liberty con due torrette, che furono soprannominate le orecchie dell'architetto. Purtroppo l'idea di erigere l'edificio vicino al fiume Arno si rivelò sbagliata, in quanto nel 1966 la biblioteca fu gravemente danneggiata dall'alluvione che raggiunse i sei metri e gran parte dei libri, codici e carteggi sono andati distrutti.

Leonardo Micheletti

Il posto è molto bello. Ci sono lavori all'impianto elettrico. Parte della collezione non è disponibile almeno per otto mesi

Lê Phong

Favorite place to study in Florence. You must have passport as a non italian citizen to make the library card in oder to study here! It's not an easy access place. Also unlike oblate library where you can freely bring your bag in, here due to being a place for storing all the editions of book established all around italy, we have to give our bag to the librarian and bring our stuffs inside in a plastic bag provided. You need to tap in and out the library card for entering and exiting. All in all this place is majestic.

What is the address of National Central Library?
National Central Library is located at Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 1, 50122, Florence, Italy.
How to get here by public transport?
The nearest public transport options provide quick and easy access:
- Bus stop Zecca Vecchia Nazionale (112 m walk)
- Bus stop Magliabechi (126 m walk)
- Bus stop Zecca Vecchia Cavalleggeri (152 m walk)
- Bus stop Lungarno Alle Grazie (194 m walk)
- Bus stop Corso Dei Tintori (205 m walk)
How is National Central Library rated by visitors?
National Central Library has an average rating of 3.9 based on 396 reviews across platforms such as Google.

National Central Library in Florence

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