Besides the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, we recommend these ancient libraries you can admire even only mixed up among the silent readers:
• Biblioteca Angelica in the former Convento degli Agostiniani near piazza Navona. This library is often the beautiful location for concerts, exhibitions and other events. It is possible to attend group visits on Wednesday and Friday (9.00 am – 2.00 pm). It is also possible to see the Salone Vanvitelliano during the opening hours of the library (without disturbing the readers);
• Biblioteca Vallicelliana and the stunning Salone Borromini, designed in the 17th century by Francesco Borromini and completed by Camillo Arcucci, inside the Oratorio dei Filippini;
• Biblioteca dell’Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei e Corsiniana in Palazzo Corsini alla Lungara, which boasts a rich collection of texts started back in the 17th century. Here’s a short story of the library in English;
• Sala della Crociera, currently pertaining to the Biblioteca di Archeologia e Storia dell’Arte. These spaces once belonged to the Studio del Collegio Romano found by Sant’Ignazio di Loyola and they still conserve the 17th c. shelvings;
• Biblioteca Casanatense: the free access to the ancient Salone Monumentale is possible Monday-Friday (11.30 am – 1.00 pm), in alternative you can book a guided tour.
MR