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.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Maus-Trauden.

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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:

Vatican Walking Tour

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