Museo Lapidario Maffeiano (Maffeiano Lapidary Museum), Verona

Located between the walls of Piazza Bra and Castelvecchio, the Museo Lapidario Maffeiano is the second oldest public library museum in the world. Founded in 1745 by Scipione Maffai, the exhibition hall contains Greek, Etruscan, Roman, and Arab writings, some of which were donated by Maffai. The architect was Alessandro Pompei.

Hundreds of inscriptions, reliefs, and sculptures are located throughout the entrance hall, basement, and two upper rooms. The experience begins in the courtyard, where many writings are arranged underneath the beautiful Italian sky, and ends with a walk over the walls of the Bra that takes you to the Gran Guardia. Three recommended items to view are the largest collection of Greek grave inscriptions housed on the first floor and the Etruscan urns and sarcophagus of a young man on the second level.

The museum is a popular site with tourists, students, and scholars. In addition, many of the inscriptions have English translations. The Museo Lapidario Maffeiano is open from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Monday. Free admission is offered the first Sunday of each month. Other attractions near the library include the Verona Arena, the Museo Civico di Castelvecchio, and the Via Mazzini.