10 Best libraries in Bologna and Emilia Romagna

If there's a place where you can find me after a food tour, this is a library. An oasis of silence in the desert of noise, to rest and recharge.

A fortress, a botanical garden, a basketball and boxing arena, a trading center, a restaurant, a bank, and a puppet theatre.
This is what Salaborsa has been during its +2000 years of life.

Now it's a library, probably the most important in Bologna. For its position sure, in Piazza Maggiore next to Bologna Neptune's statue.

​But also for the quantity and quality of books, magazines, music and more, over 3 floors + a basement with the rest of a Roman street.

Info
Piazza del Nettuno, 3, 40124 Bologna
Tel. +39 051 219 4400
www.bibliotecasalaborsa.it

"I don't like books, but sometimes I'd come here to read", said a rebellious teenager during a school trip in Bologna.
Archiginnasio conquers even the hardest hearts.

This is the oldest library in Bologna.

A step inside the gate and you'd be back to a time when students from all over Europe came to Bologna to study.

The public library is on the first floor, a few steps from the astonishing anatomical theatre.

Info
Piazza Galvani, 1, 40124 Bologna BO
Tel. +39 051 276811
www.archiginnasio.it

If you're a cinema addict like me, Bologna is the place to be.
Especially in summer when Piazza Maggiore becomes an open-air arena.

But also every day, if you have time to spend at Cineteca di Bologna and its library. A huge selection is dedicated to cinema, photography and all their relatives.

You can spend days browsing Luigi Ghirri's photos in Bologna and Emilia Romagna.

​Or walk on the first floor where you can find retro games including my first console (Sega Master System II) behind a case.

Vintage movie posters on the walls may distract your study, but warm your soul.

Info
Piazzetta Pasolini, 3/B, 40122 Bologna
Tel. +39 051 219 4843
www.cinetecadibologna.it/biblioteca

Biblioteca Universitaria is an underrated library in an underrated building in an underrated area.

It's set inside Palazzo Poggi, in the heart of Bologna University, since the XVIII century.

You can walk under its portico without noticing it, but you'd miss one of the best museums near Bologna, an astronomical observatory and this beautiful library.

​If you want to breathe the authentic academic atmosphere of Bologna, don't make the mistake of forgetting it.

Info
Via Zamboni, 33/35, 40126 Bologna BO
Tel. +39 051 208 8300
bub.unibo.it/it

Mr. Gutenberg had no doubts when he had to print his first book. Then it's no surprise that the oldest libraries in Italy are set inside monasteries.

An XIV century Franciscan complex hosts this old library in Imola, a small city between Emilia and Romagna.

After this mystic jump, you deserve a pagan prize. Get a great gelato at Sesto Senso, just near the library.

​On the way back to Bologna, stop for a visit to Dozza, one of the coziest and charming villages of all Emilia Romagna.

Info
Via Emilia, 80, 40026 Imola BO
Tel. +39 0542 602636
bim.comune.imola.bo.it

No dragons or dire wolves, but until the unity of Italy, Emilia Romagna was an impressive Game of Thrones.

Biblioteca Estense takes its name from the noble family of Ferrara. When Modena became the capital of the dukedom, the library changed its location.

​Borso's Bible is its best-kept secret. A full gallery in a miniature book that took 6 years of work by masters of the Italian Renaissance.

Info
Largo Porta Sant'Agostino, 337, 41121 Modena
Tel. +39 059 439 5711
www.gallerie-estensi.beniculturali.it/biblioteca-estense-universitaria/

No excuses.
Visit Palazzo Della Pilotta is one of the best reasons to visit Parma.

A huge wooden theatre, a surprising typography museum and a sketch by Leonardo, THAT Leonardo, aren't enough to convince you?
Ok, Biblioteca Palatina will do the rest.

Created in 1761 has 4 main halls:
- Sala di Maria Luigia, a reading room with 26.000 books
- Sala Dante, to look up at frescos inspired by the Divine Comedy
- Sala De Rossi, with sumptuous furnishings Impero style
- Petitot Gallery, covered with original walnut bookcases.

If you need to relax after the food feast of our Parma food tour, this is a great place.

Info
Piazza della Pilotta, 3, 43121 Parma
Tel. +39 0521 220411
www.bibliotecapalatina.beniculturali.it

Another monastery, another unique library.

If you're going to Ravenna only for its beach, you'll be disappointed. But if you're looking for art, culture, and a relaxed atmosphere, this is your place.

Monks spent about 300 years to built Biblioteca Classense.
Aula Magna, decorated with statues, frescoes and finely carved wooden shelves, is its jewel. Then visit the large refectory, the ancient sacristy (Sala Muratori) and the monumental cloisters.

The real gem?
​Raccolta Dantesca, the most complete collection of Dante's works bought from the German bookshop Olschki.

And since you're in Ravenna, would you make the mistake of not joining our Ravenna tour?
C'mon!

Info
Via Alfredo Baccarini, 3, 48121 Ravenna RA
Tel. +39 0544 482112
www.classense.ra.it

"Indian elephants don't fear mosquitoes"

It's written above the wooden gate of Biblioteca Malatestiana.
I can't speak for the big mammal with the trunk, but I'm sure that this incredible library isn't afraid of time.

It's the first Italian civil library and the building, the books and the furniture are in perfect shape.
Credits to the architect Matteo Nuti, able to create an environment with natural air recycling to preserve the books.
For this reason, only small groups with guided tours can enter and for a short time.

​If you have to choose only one library from this list, this is the one.

Info
Piazza Maurizio Bufalini, 1, 47521 Cesena FC
Tel. +39 0547 610892
www.comune.cesena.fc.it/malatestiana