Biblioteca Capitolare
Biblioteca Capitolare
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Situated right next door to the Duomo, the Biblioteca Capitolare is the oldest continuously working library in the world, founded 1600 years ago and home to the "Veronese Riddle", the oldest written phrase in the Italian language. Scholars from around the world visit the Capitolare to study the only existing copy of the classical Roman law in the Institutes of Gaius (5th century), and the oldest known copy of the “De Civitate Dei” by St. Augustine. Walking through the cloisters you will follow in the footsteps of Dante, who spent time here while composing some of his famous works. Also on display are rare historical objects and works of art. A guided tour offers an in-depth look at ancient Verona.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Nicola ECamberley, United Kingdom208 contributionsAbsolutely stunningOne of the best museums I have EVER visited!! I'm so glad I found out about this and visited. We were literally astonished at what we saw and learned and won't forget this experience. Absolute privilege to walk in the footsteps of historic scholars.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 6, 2024
- ginnybBrisbane, Australia25 contributionsFascinating journey through 1500 years of books.This was a really interesting and enjoyable place to visit. The exhibition is well laid out with numerous short video presentations (in English or Italian) accompanying the exhibits. The library is so much more than a library - its exhibits basically tell the history of writing books from the materials used to how texts evolved over the last 1500 years. Would definitely recommend.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten September 9, 2024
- Holly C4 contributionsVerona for Lovers of LibrariesIf you are interested in books and the history of libraries, then a visit to the Biblioteca Capitolare is a must. The library is not open every day, so check before you go. I delayed my departure for Venice in order to visit, and was glad I did. The library was not crowded in the morning, so not necessary to pre purchase a ticket.Visited September 2024Travelled soloWritten September 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
72 reviews
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turistanoproblem
Verona, Italy281 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
As a Veronese, I discovered the Capitolare Library of Verona only during a guided group tour.
The preparation, passion and commitment of the talented Ilaria introduced us to a jewel of our city.
Since it is the oldest library in the world, which houses over 1000 volumes, it is still frequented today by scholars from every nation and is certainly worth a visit!
The preparation, passion and commitment of the talented Ilaria introduced us to a jewel of our city.
Since it is the oldest library in the world, which houses over 1000 volumes, it is still frequented today by scholars from every nation and is certainly worth a visit!
Written November 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola E
Camberley, UK208 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
One of the best museums I have EVER visited!! I'm so glad I found out about this and visited. We were literally astonished at what we saw and learned and won't forget this experience. Absolute privilege to walk in the footsteps of historic scholars.
Written May 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roberto p
Gallarate, Italy2,273 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Only (but also...not only!) for this reason it already deserves the highest rating.
It is quite impressive to know that this is the oldest library in the world still in operation.
In fact, it dates back to the 5th century, and here we have the certification of how the monks began that incredible work of transcription on parchments, manuscripts, books (not exactly a very simple thing!), the first dating back to 517, or the famous Ursicinus Code present here .
The charm by which we are enveloped in the large hall is imposing and astonishing, with all those ancient books that you would never stop admiring.
Then we move on to the room of the Ursicino codex which also features a wonderful ivory diptych of which there are only four examples in the world,
All perfectly explained, detail by detail in a video in the same room.
And finally, don't forget to admire the fourteenth-century manuscripts as well as the famous "Veronese riddle" which should not be revealed here, as it is in fact a riddle.
And the last room also has the charm of the Adige which flows impetuously under the windows
It is quite impressive to know that this is the oldest library in the world still in operation.
In fact, it dates back to the 5th century, and here we have the certification of how the monks began that incredible work of transcription on parchments, manuscripts, books (not exactly a very simple thing!), the first dating back to 517, or the famous Ursicinus Code present here .
The charm by which we are enveloped in the large hall is imposing and astonishing, with all those ancient books that you would never stop admiring.
Then we move on to the room of the Ursicino codex which also features a wonderful ivory diptych of which there are only four examples in the world,
All perfectly explained, detail by detail in a video in the same room.
And finally, don't forget to admire the fourteenth-century manuscripts as well as the famous "Veronese riddle" which should not be revealed here, as it is in fact a riddle.
And the last room also has the charm of the Adige which flows impetuously under the windows
Written June 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ginnyb
Brisbane, Australia25 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
This was a really interesting and enjoyable place to visit. The exhibition is well laid out with numerous short video presentations (in English or Italian) accompanying the exhibits. The library is so much more than a library - its exhibits basically tell the history of writing books from the materials used to how texts evolved over the last 1500 years. Would definitely recommend.
Written September 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
XmenMom
Detroit, MI80 contributions
Sept 2012 • Solo
This is not on the usual tourist circuit, and I am afraid if I write too glowing of a review it might end up there! I went initially to find a copy of a print that is in the apartment I am renting here, but found so much more! This is a beautiful, grand, very old library that was once a scriptorium dating back to 700ad. It was bombed in World War II and has been completely restored. The charming little old Italian lady works (?) there started giving me a full tour and was eager to share the history with me. She filled the language gaps with pictures to help connect the dots. One of the things she showed me was a manuscript of a truly ancient "Padre Nostro" or "Our Father" and pointed out how it was written in gold so the text is still visible. It is an amazingly interesting place that I would like to learn more about.
Written September 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith C
San Francisco, California, United States17 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Verona is a small city and is quite walkable, with discoveries in every block and plaza. However, in the summer, days can get quite hot, and the usual outdoor dining provides little respite from the heat. What many travelers have yet to discover are libraries, those cool, quiet havens of mental discoveries in restful surroundings. often including a cafe adjacent or even inside. The Biblioteca Capitolare is just such a place, within a block of the thronged Plaza Duomo, but not part of the crowded circuit. There are other libraries in Verona, even in some of the older hotels. Seek them out.
Written September 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelDocKleen11
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany224 contributions
Jul 2012 • Friends
An impressive collection of books, manuscrpits etc, at one of the world's oldest libraries. I liked the smell of old leather and paper. Staff were helpful, and knowledgeable. Awesome to have seen Dante's Divine Comedy. Makes one sit and think of today's world of Kindle and IPads.
Written November 24, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erika
Caracas, Venezuela9,917 contributions
Aug 2020
Really pretty building. I liked the architecture and the garden in the center of the building. Really nice
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SNH Tours
Nottingham, UK84 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
The oldest library in the Latin world. Pretty battered by the USAAF in the closing days of WW2. Beautiful restoration work makes it a real joy to visit. Cool in all senses of the word
Written September 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernard K
Tenby, UK5 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
We went on a wonderful 90 min tour in English with an enthusiastic guide who really illuminated the fascinating history of the library and its books and manuscripts.
Written October 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, do you have to pay for entry? If so, how much is it per person? Thanks!
Written January 3, 2019
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