What is today Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze began as the private library of Antonio Magliabechi, counting about 30,00 volumes and left in 1714 "to the universal benefit of the City of Florence". In 1737 it was decreted that a copy of every single work printed in Florence be deposited in the library and its holdings increased significantly. From 1743 onward, all volumes published within the Grand Duchy of Tuscany also went to library. IN 1861,  the Biblioteca Magliabechiama and the large Biblioteca Palatina (founded by Ferdinando III of Lorraine and continued by his successor Leopoldo II) were merged into one. The new institution took the name of "Biblioteca Nazionale" and was originally located in rooms within the Uffizi complex. In 1935 it moved to its current building where construction had begun in 1911 following the plans of architect Cesare Bazzani. Later enlarged by the architect Vincenzo Mazzei, the building is a rare example of Italian library architecture and is part of the monumental area of the Santa Croce complex. Since 1869, the Biblioteca Nazionale di Firenze automatically receives a copy of every item published in Italy.

piazza dei Cavalleggeri,1            www.bncf.sbn.it

open. Monday to Friday 8.15-19.00 Satturday 8.15-13.30