The University Library of Pavia in the Palazzo dell’Università is one of the oldest state-owned public libraries in Italy and was a key feature in the original design by architect Giuseppe Piermarini.
The Salone Teresiano, whose original setting dates to 1779, features a wood and plaster globe, much appreciated by Antonio Scarpa “both for its non-ordinary size … and for the precision with which it marks … the smallest geographical features and the most recent of discoveries”.
Another feature of the Salone is the gallery that circles the entire perimeter with curved railings while the real thrill is provided by the 45,000 books on its walls. The books, many of which have valuable bindings, fill over a kilometre of shelving which is crowned with cymatium moulding and divided into 10 orders, according to 18th century canons of knowledge.
Biblioteca Universitaria di Pavia
Strada Nuova, 65 - 27100 - Pavia
Tel: 038224764 - 038233223
Fax: 038225007
Email: bu-pv@beniculturali.it
