Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale
A historic 18th-century national library in Florence, offering a majestic study environment and access to rare collections by appointment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for study
Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for study
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 18th-century national library in Florence, offering a majestic study environment and access to rare collections by appointment.
"Majestic and quiet, a favorite place to study in Florence, though access requires planning."
📚 Get Your Library Card
Non-Italian citizens may need a passport to get a library card for study access. :admission_tickets:
🧳 Bag Check Required
All bags must be checked; only a plastic bag for personal items is allowed inside. :handbag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Reading Rooms
Main Reading Halls
Spacious and quiet halls offering a serene environment for study and reading, steeped in history.

Architectural Grandeur
Exterior and Interior
Admire the impressive architecture of this 18th-century national library, a landmark in Florence.

Rare Manuscript Collections
Special Collections (by appointment)
Potential to view priceless historical documents, including the original Divine Comedy manuscript.
Planning Your Visit
Access & Entry Requirements
Planning Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Get Your Library Card
Non-Italian citizens may need a passport to get a library card for study access. :admission_tickets:
🧳 Bag Check Required
All bags must be checked; only a plastic bag for personal items is allowed inside. :handbag:
📅 Check Access Policies
Entry to specific areas like manuscripts requires prior appointment. :calendar:
🤫 Quiet Study Environment
This is a place for serious study; maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere. :speakerwiththreesoundwaves:
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Get Your Library Card
Non-Italian citizens may need a passport to get a library card for study access. :admission_tickets:
🧳 Bag Check Required
All bags must be checked; only a plastic bag for personal items is allowed inside. :handbag:
📅 Check Access Policies
Entry to specific areas like manuscripts requires prior appointment. :calendar:
🤫 Quiet Study Environment
This is a place for serious study; maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere. :speakerwiththreesoundwaves:
🚶♀️ Tap In & Out
Remember to tap your library card when entering and exiting the library. :computer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale for its majestic and quiet atmosphere, ideal for focused study and reading. However, access can be restrictive, with non-Italian citizens sometimes facing hurdles in obtaining library cards and specific collections requiring prior appointments. The bag check policy is also noted as a unique aspect of visiting.
"Favorite place to study in Florence. You must have passport as a non italian citizen to make the library card in oder to study here! It's not an easy access place. Also unlike oblate library where you can freely bring your bag in, here due to being a place for storing all the editions of book established all around italy, we have to give our bag to the librarian and bring our stuffs inside in a plastic bag provided. You need to tap in and out the library card for entering and exiting. All in all this place is majestic."
Lê Phong
"A good place to read books and study. It has two floors with different reading rooms. It’s spacious and quiet. I have spent many hours here enjoying reading."
Yingchun Ye
"We didn't go in there but it looked so massive and great from outside"
me me
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale is located in the heart of Florence. It's easily accessible by foot from many central attractions. You can also use local buses that stop nearby. Check local transport apps for the most convenient routes from your accommodation.
Parking in central Florence can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk. If you must drive, look for paid parking garages in the vicinity, but be prepared for limited availability. :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While general access for reading rooms is available, you'll likely need a library card to study. Non-Italian citizens may need to present their passport to obtain one. Access to special collections often requires prior appointment.
Opening hours can vary, and the library is typically closed on Sundays. It's crucial to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times before your visit.
The library is intended for study and research. While generally open to the public, specific sections may have restrictions. Obtaining a library card is often necessary for extended stays or access to certain materials.
Appointments for guided tours or access to specific collections, such as manuscripts, usually need to be made in advance through the library's official website or by contacting them directly.
There isn't typically a direct entrance fee for the main reading areas, but obtaining a library card might involve a small fee or require proof of residency/student status. Access to specialized archives may have separate procedures. :euro:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is generally quiet and conducive to study, with spacious reading rooms. Some visitors describe it as majestic and a great place for focused reading and research.
You can bring your laptop and study materials, but all bags must be checked at the entrance. You'll be provided with a plastic bag for your personal items to take inside. :computer:
Wi-Fi availability can vary. If you are a registered user with a library card, you may have access. It's best to inquire upon arrival or check their website for details on Wi-Fi access for visitors. :wifi:
It houses a vast collection of Italian literature, historical manuscripts, music, maps, and more, representing the literary heritage of Italy.
While the architecture is impressive, photography inside may be restricted, especially in reading rooms and near valuable collections. Always check the library's policy on photography before taking pictures. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, libraries of this nature do not have extensive dining facilities inside. There might be a small vending area, but for full meals, you'll need to explore the many cafes and restaurants surrounding the library in Florence. :coffee:
Bringing outside food and drinks into the reading areas is generally prohibited to preserve the books and maintain a clean environment. Water might be allowed in sealed bottles, but it's best to confirm. :apple:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can be strict. Generally, flash photography is prohibited, and taking photos in reading rooms or of specific exhibits might be forbidden. Always look for signage or ask staff for clarification. :camerawithflash:
The exterior of the library is quite grand. You can get good shots from the piazza in front of it, capturing its imposing facade. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the architectural details. :building_sunrise:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Researchers & Academics
🏛️ Architecture & History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Entry and Access
Access to more specialized collections, such as rare manuscripts or historical archives, is usually by prior appointment only. This is to protect these invaluable items and manage visitor flow. If you have a specific research interest, such as viewing the original Divine Comedy manuscript, contacting the library well in advance to schedule a visit is essential. Guided tours are also sometimes available, offering a deeper insight into the library's history and collections, but these too often require booking ahead.
The Study Experience
When you're ready to leave, remember to tap your library card again at the exit. This system helps the library track usage and manage access effectively. While Wi-Fi availability can be inconsistent or limited to registered users, the serene ambiance and the sheer volume of resources make it a worthwhile destination for students and researchers visiting Florence.
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