The National Library of Naples: the largest in Southern Italy!

The "Vittorio Emanuele III" National Library of Naples, with its extraordinary collection of almost 4 million printed works, 30,000 manuscripts, incunabula, maps and the famous Herculaneum Papyri, is a true cultural jewel in the heart of Southern Italy. Considered the third most important library in Italy, after the prestigious National Libraries of Rome and Florence, it is a unique place in which to immerse yourself in the richness of knowledge and history. The library is open to the public every day of the year, except Sundays and public holidays, with continuous opening hours from 8:30am to 7:00pm. During opening hours, you can access the library free of charge, consult the catalogues and make use of the splendid reading rooms, immersing yourself in a stimulating and fascinating atmosphere. The history of the National Library of Naples dates back to 1784, when, thanks to a royal decree issued by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, the precious royal book collections were transferred from the Royal Palace of Capodimonte to the Palazzo degli Studi, which today houses the Archaeological Museum. These collections included valuable volumes from the Farnese and Palatina libraries. Over the years, the library was further enriched by the addition of collections from the Jesuit library, the Royal Academy and the Cartesian library of the Prince of Tarsia. To increase its holdings, it was established that the Kingdom's printers had to deliver a copy of every published work to the library. At the beginning of the 19th century, the collection was further expanded with the addition of valuable volumes from the Certosa di San Martino monastery and from the Benedictine monasteries of San Giovanni a Carbonara and Santi Severino e Sossio. This constant growth of works has made the National Library of Naples a true treasure trove of literary and historical treasures, well worth discovering and appreciating by all lovers of culture and history. The National Library of Naples offers a wide range of services to its users, including the possibility of consulting the catalogues online to find works of interest, using the reading rooms for study and research, and requesting interlibrary loans to access materials held in other libraries. In addition, the library regularly organises conferences, exhibitions and cultural events to promote knowledge and appreciation of its rich literary heritage. Among the curious facts linked to the library, it is worth recalling that it was chosen as the location for some scenes of the celebrated film "Il nome della rosa" ("The Name of the Rose"), based on the novel by Umberto Eco. Over the years, the library has also been visited by numerous illustrious figures, artists, writers and scholars, who have helped to make it one of the most important cultural sites in Southern Italy. In conclusion, the National Library of Naples represents a true treasure for lovers of culture and history. Its vast collection and the services it offers make it an essential place for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of Southern Italy and its extraordinary artistic and literary heritage.