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, geographical maps and the famous Herculaneum Papyri, is a true cultural gem 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, browse 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 began way back in 1784, when, thanks to a royal decree of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, the precious royal book collections were moved from the Royal Palace of Capodimonte to the Palazzo degli Studi, which today houses the Archaeological Museum. These collections included precious 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 still further, it was established that the printers of the Kingdom had to deliver a copy of every printed publication to the library. At the beginning of the 19th century, the collection was further expanded with the addition of precious volumes from the monastery of the Certosa di San Martino (Charterhouse of St Martin) 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 genuine treasure chest of literary and historical treasures, well worth discovering and appreciating for all lovers of culture and history. The National Library of Naples offers a wide range of services to users, including the possibility of consulting the online catalogues to find works of interest, using the reading rooms for study and research, and requesting interlibrary loans to access materials held in other libraries. The library also regularly organises conferences, exhibitions and cultural events to promote knowledge and appreciation of its rich literary heritage. Among the curiosities linked to the library, it is worth remembering that it was chosen as a 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, such as artists, writers and scholars, who have helped to make it one of the most important cultural venues 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.