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Vatican Library

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Vatican Library (Vatican)

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The Vatican Apostolic Library (Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana) is one of the world's most significant research libraries. It was officially established in 1475 by Pope Sixtus IV, though its collections date back to the early days of the Church. The library houses approximately 1.1 million printed books, 150,000 manuscripts, and over 8,000 incunabula (books printed before 1501). Among its most precious treasures is the Codex Vaticanus, one of the oldest nearly complete manuscripts of the Greek Bible, dating from the 4th century. The premises are known for their magnificent decoration, particularly the Salone Sistino, designed by Domenico Fontana in the late 16th century. As a research library, it is available to qualified scholars and plays a central role in preserving global cultural heritage through state-of-the-art digitization projects.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Vatican Library is a research institution and is not open to the general public. Only accredited scholars may view its holdings by prior appointment.
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Typical hours
There are no public opening hours. The library is only accessible to authorized users during set working hours.
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Photography
Photography inside is generally not permitted. The exterior facade can be photographed from public areas.
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Time needed
A visit is limited to viewing the exterior facade, which takes only a few minutes. For scholars, the stay duration is individually arranged.
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Combine with
The library is located in the Cortile della Biblioteca, near the Vatican Museums. Combine the visit with the Belvedere Courtyard or the Pinacoteca.
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Getting there
The library is part of the Vatican Museums complex. The entrance is located near the Sistine Chapel.
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Insider tip
Even if you cannot enter, the magnificent Renaissance facade is worth seeing. Check in advance for temporary exhibitions that may be open to the public occasionally.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90500, 12.45400

Facts

  • The library was officially established on June 15, 1475.
  • The collection includes over 1.1 million printed volumes.
  • Approximately 150,000 precious manuscripts are stored here.
  • The Salone Sistino is 70 meters long and 15 meters wide.
  • The library maintains its own restoration workshop.
  • A project to digitize all manuscripts has been ongoing since 2010.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Vatican Library BookshopVatican Library Bookshop<1 km · SEExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
ColosseumColosseum4 km · SEExplore →
FarnesinaFarnesina4 km · NExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Vatican Library (10)

Galleria degli Arazzi🏛 museum

Gallery in the Vatican Museums, known for its tapestry collection.

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Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, also called Torre dei Venti.

Padiglione delle carrozze🏛 museum

Museum pavilion in the Vatican, displaying historic carriages.

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Vatican Museums🏛 museum

Museums of Vatican City, displaying ancient and Renaissance art.

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, now part of the Vatican Museums complex.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in Vatican City.

Necropoli della Via Triumphalis

Ancient necropolis in Vatican City, along the Via Triumphalis.

Scala Elicoidale Giuseppe Momo

Double spiral staircase in the Vatican, designed by Giuseppe Momo.

Punto panoramico di viale della Galea

Viewpoint on Viale della Galea in Vatican City.

Sistine Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, famous for Michelangelo's frescoes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who can use the Vatican Library?
Only qualified scholars and researchers with prior appointment.
How many books are there?
It houses over 1.1 million printed books and 75,000 codices.
When was it founded?
It was officially founded in 1475 by Pope Sixtus IV.
Can the rooms be visited?
Some magnificent halls are accessible as part of the museum visit.
Are there valuable manuscripts there?
Yes, for example, the Codex Vaticanus, one of the oldest Bibles.
Vatican Library: where is it located?
Vatican Library is located in Vatican City, Vatican.
Vatican Library: what is there to see?
Highlights include Galleria degli Arazzi, Tower of the Winds, Padiglione delle carrozze.
Vatican Library: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Vatican Library: why is it worth visiting?
The Vatican Apostolic Library (Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana) is one of the world's most significant research libraries.
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History & landmarks

Vatican Bank (IOR) — Vatican Library (Vatican)
Vatican Bank (IOR)
The Institute for the Works of Religion.
Belvedere Courtyard — Vatican Library (Vatican)
Belvedere Courtyard
An architecturally significant courtyard in the Vatican.
Apostolic Palace — Vatican Library (Vatican)
Apostolic Palace
The official residence of the Pope in the Vatican.
Vatican Museums — Vatican Library (Vatican)
Vatican Museums
One of the largest and most significant art museums in the world with priceless treasures.
Vatican Pharmacy — Vatican Library (Vatican)
Vatican Pharmacy
The most visited pharmacy in the world.
Pigna Courtyard — Vatican Library (Vatican)
Pigna Courtyard
Known for the huge bronze pine cone sculpture.
Sistine Chapel — Vatican Library (Vatican)
Sistine Chapel
Famous for Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and the Last Judgment.
Swiss Guard Barracks — Vatican Library (Vatican)
Swiss Guard Barracks
The place where the smallest army in the world is stationed.