Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (Vatican Apostolic Library), Rome

Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (Vatican Apostolic Library), Rome

The Vatican Apostolic Library stands as one of the world's oldest and most prestigious libraries, housing a remarkable collection of historical texts. Although officially established in 1475, its origins trace back even further, making it a repository of immense historical significance. The library boasts an impressive collection of 75,000 ancient manuscripts spanning various periods of history, alongside 1.1 million printed books. During the early 17th century, the Vatican Secret Archives were separated from the library, housing an additional 150,000 items of great historical importance.

Pope Nicholas V founded the library within the Vatican in 1448 by consolidating approximately 350 Greek, Latin, and Hebrew manuscripts inherited from his predecessors with his own personal collection and numerous acquisitions, including manuscripts from the renowned Library of Constantinople. In 1481, the first librarian, Bartolomeo Platina, compiled a catalog that revealed the library's vast holdings, consisting of over 3,500 items, making it the largest library in the Western world at the time. In approximately 1587, Pope Sixtus V commissioned architect Domenico Fontana to construct a new building for the library, which remains in use to this day. Notably, the books were displayed on benches to which they were chained, a measure taken to protect the valuable manuscripts.

Among the library's most renowned treasures is the Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1209, which is the oldest nearly complete manuscript of the Bible known to exist. Additionally, the library revealed the discovery of the "Secret History of Procopius", which was subsequently published in 1623.

Serving as a research library for various fields such as history, law, philosophy, science, and theology, the Vatican Library is open to scholars who can provide the necessary qualifications and research purposes.

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Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (Vatican Apostolic Library) on Map

Sight Name: Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (Vatican Apostolic Library)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

A movie beloved by generations of people, "Roman Holiday" (1953) was filmed entirely in Rome and starred two of Hollywood's greatest icons: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The romantic comedy would go on to earn three Oscars, including the best actress trophy for Hepburn, who is entirely sympathetic in a role that could have been off-putting. The main storyline centers on a day of...  view more

Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
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Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

It's a known fact that "Rome wasn't built in a day." But when it was finally built, it stood the test of time and became "the eternal city." Many have heard that "all roads lead to Rome," but very few probably realize that inside Rome itself all roads lead to the Forum.

The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Trastevere Walking Tour

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city – Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain

Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain

An established tourist mecca, today's Rome is hardly imaginable without two of its much loved attractions – the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Magnets for tourists as they are, these two sights are connected to a number of other, not less worthy of attention locations, such as the Fountain of the Longboat or Piazza Colonna and its centerpiece, the Column of Marcus Aurelius, to...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome

Hidden Art Treasures in Rome

Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.

Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

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