Gambalunga Library Rimini
Step into history at the Gambalunga Library, a 17th-century palazzo in Rimini housing a vast collection and offering a glimpse into the past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Gambalunga Library Rimini
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into history at the Gambalunga Library, a 17th-century palazzo in Rimini housing a vast collection and offering a glimpse into the past.
"A real journey through time, silent, welcoming and full of history."
📚 Book Ancient Rooms Ahead
Access to the historic private rooms is limited and requires advance email booking.
🚶♀️ Free Entry to Main Library
Wander through the main library spaces and admire the architecture during opening hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Rooms
Palazzo Gambalunga
Explore the 17th-century rooms with grand walnut shelves and admire 18th-century globes and illuminated manuscripts.
Internal Courtyard
Palazzo Gambalunga
A serene 18th-century courtyard featuring a beautiful Istrian stone well, offering a peaceful escape.
Prestigious Collection
Main Library Hall
Discover over 200,000 items, including ancient books, hand-drawn atlases, and terrestrial globes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into History
Best Time for a Quiet Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Book Ancient Rooms Ahead
Access to the historic private rooms is limited and requires advance email booking.
🚶♀️ Free Entry to Main Library
Wander through the main library spaces and admire the architecture during opening hours.
🤫 Respect the Silence
Remember it's a working library; maintain a quiet demeanor to respect other visitors.
✨ Embrace the Atmosphere
Soak in the unique blend of 17th-century charm and modern library function.
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Book Ancient Rooms Ahead
Access to the historic private rooms is limited and requires advance email booking.
🚶♀️ Free Entry to Main Library
Wander through the main library spaces and admire the architecture during opening hours.
🤫 Respect the Silence
Remember it's a working library; maintain a quiet demeanor to respect other visitors.
✨ Embrace the Atmosphere
Soak in the unique blend of 17th-century charm and modern library function.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Gambalunga Library for its historical charm and the unique experience of exploring its ancient rooms. While the main library offers free access and a glimpse into its vast collection, some find the winter atmosphere cold and note occasional staff rudeness. Booking ahead for the private rooms is highly recommended for a complete visit.
"The Biblioteca is a public library and was founded in 1619 by Riminese lawyer Alessandro Gambalunga. The building it was his main residence along with his wife. The library is free to visit during opening hours. There's a court yard but you can get to visit his private ancient rooms on the last Saturday of the month, which it needs to be booked in advance by email."
Kypriopoulla
"It was founded in 1619 by Alessandro Gambalunga in his will and housed in the superb family building with a lovely internal courtyard adorned with an 18th-century Istrian stone well. To discover the charm of its bookcases, globes and ancient books, all that is needed is to enter the 17th-century Rooms with the robust walnut wood shelves and the 18-century Room, where you can admire the globes of the Dutch cartographer W.J. and the illuminated manuscripts from the century XI"
Eugenio Trevisan
"Not a very pleasant place, I didn't like it. At least in winter it is quite cold and dark. Everything looks pretty shabby."
Psychology
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gambalunga Library is located at Via Gambalunga 27 in Rimini. It's easily accessible by public transport within the city. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from the historic center.
Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging due to its central location. It's recommended to use public parking garages in the city center and walk to the library.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The main library area is free to visit during its opening hours. However, access to the special ancient rooms requires advance booking via email.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official library website or local listings before your visit. Generally, it's open during standard daytime hours on weekdays and Saturdays.
To visit the private ancient rooms, you need to book in advance by emailing the library. This is typically available on the last Saturday of the month.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the main library halls, admire the architecture, and see the impressive collection of books. The ancient rooms offer a glimpse into historical interiors with antique furniture, globes, and manuscripts.
Yes, many visitors find it a wonderful place to bring children. The historical books, globes, and atlases can spark their curiosity and imagination.
Photography rules can vary. It's advisable to check with library staff upon arrival. Generally, discreet personal photography is often permitted, but flash or professional equipment might be restricted.
Some visitors have noted that the library can feel cold and dark during winter months, especially in the older sections. Dressing in layers is recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Gambalunga Library is a historical institution and does not typically have on-site cafes or dining facilities. However, numerous restaurants and cafes are available in the surrounding area of Rimini.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Book Lovers & History Buffs
Don't miss the chance to book a tour of the private ancient rooms for an in-depth historical experience. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be sure to check photography policies with staff upon arrival, as flash or professional equipment may have restrictions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Palazzo Gambalunga
+1The library's collection is extensive, boasting over 200,000 items, including a significant number of books, manuscripts, and cartographic materials. The prestigious Gambalunga collection is a treasure trove for bibliophiles and history enthusiasts alike. The building's design, with its imposing structure and serene internal courtyard, contributes to the overall atmosphere of scholarly pursuit and historical significance.
While the main library is accessible to the public, the true magic lies in the private ancient rooms. These rooms offer an intimate glimpse into the past, featuring robust walnut wood shelves, antique globes from renowned cartographers, and even illuminated manuscripts dating back to the 11th century. Access to these special areas is a privilege, requiring advance booking, making the experience even more exclusive and memorable for those who secure a spot.
Experiencing the Gambalunga Library with Children
The visual elements within the library are particularly stimulating for kids. The presence of hand-drawn atlases and beautiful terrestrial globes offers tangible points of interest that spark curiosity. Children often ask numerous questions, examining everything carefully and immersing themselves in a new world of knowledge and discovery. This natural engagement fosters a love for learning and a respect for historical places.
Taking children to places like the Gambalunga Library is a 'precious gift,' as it helps them 'get closer to books, learn to respect special places and discover how much beauty there can be in knowledge.' It provides an opportunity for organic learning, where curiosity is ignited without pressure, making it a valuable outing for families looking to combine education with cultural exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit