Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana (Laurentian Medici Library), Florence

The Laurentian Library is an extraordinary testament not only to its architectural brilliance but also to its remarkable collection of books and manuscripts. Situated within the cloister of the Basilica di San Lorenzo, this library was designed by Michelangelo, with completion entrusted to Ammannati in 1568. The architectural concept introduced by Michelangelo was considered revolutionary by his contemporaries, as he incorporated innovative ideas into the building. Notably, he chose to integrate columns within the existing walls of the Quattrocento, raising questions about the structural integrity that leave every visitor in awe.

The library's reading room features two rows of seats divided by an aisle, accompanied by strategically placed windows that illuminate the space, allowing visitors to appreciate both the ceiling and the floor of the room. Functioning as a repository of knowledge, the Laurentian Library houses an impressive collection of over 11,000 manuscripts, including many sourced from Egypt and written on papyrus. Additionally, the library was notable for the fact that the Medici family opened their private collection to the public, although certain books were secured with chains to prevent them from being removed from the premises. The collection encompasses the works of renowned Florentine authors such as Salutati, Niccoli, and Ficino, as well as literary treasures like Tacitus, Pliny, and Quintilian.

The commissioning of the library was believed to serve as a symbol of the rise of the Medici family as intellectuals in society. With its dual significance as both an architectural marvel and a repository of knowledge, it is an absolute must-visit when exploring the city of Florence.