The Angelica Library is one of the oldest libraries in Rome and Italy. Founded in 1604 by the poet and man of letters Angelo Rocca, it is located in the historic center of the city, near Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.The library has an extensive collection of ancient books and manuscripts, with more than 180,000 volumes. Its book collection dates back to the 15th century and includes many rare and valuable editions of classic and modern authors.The Angelica Library has a rich manuscript section, including the famous 15th-century illuminated codex of Ovid’s "Metamorphoses" with beautiful illustrations. The section of incunabula, or books printed before 1501, is very large and of great historical value.In addition to the section of ancient books, the library has a large collection of works on art history, Italian and foreign literature, theology and law. Among the library’s treasures are the vault frescoes, painted by Lazzaro Baldi and Agostino Ciampelli.The library is open to the public and books and documents can be checked out on the premises. Users can access the library through a reading room, where documents can be consulted and research can be done.The Angelica Library has suffered numerous damages and fires over the centuries, but has always been rebuilt and restored thanks to the generosity of patrons and benefactors. In 2015 the library completed a major restoration of the facade, restoring its original beauty.The library has been frequented by many intellectuals, including philosopher Giovanni Gentile, poet Giacomo Leopardi, jurist Pietro Giannone, and literary critic Gianfranco Contini.The Angelica Library is a place of great fascination and interest for lovers of history, literature and art. Its collection of ancient books and historical documents represents an invaluable heritage for Italian and world culture.
