- Art & Culture
Biblioteca Teresiana
A library and an enchanting surprise amidst the city’s precious historic and literary heritage
Mantua's cultural treasures include the Biblioteca Teresiana, a library and an enchanting surprise amidst the city’s precious historic and literary heritage.
It is just a stone’s throw from Piazza Dante, in the heart of the city and was founded in 1780 at the wishes of Maria Theresa of Austria, to whom the two sumptuous rooms of the library are dedicated. The first floor is home to the Palazzo degli Studi, a former Jesuit College, converted as part of the programme of cultural secularisation and reform of institutions by the Austrian empress.
Today the Biblioteca Teresiana is part of the complex that form Mantua as a city of study, together with the State Archive and the Accademia Virgiliana. In 2014, it was re-opened to the public after fifteen years of restoration work.
During its history, it was extended, occupying the corridor next to the Theresian rooms and creating an Armoured Room to conserve manuscripts and rare books.
The Biblioteca Teresiana stands out for its ancient charm, with precious tall bookcases in walnut, filled with books and elegant crystal lights that come down from the ceiling.
Every day of the week, except for Sunday and according to the times given, the library offers a space for visitors to immerse themselves in history. A peaceful place in which to focus on reading and rediscovering time for culture, making use of the staff for enjoying a free guided tour.
