Classense Library
One of Italy’s major collections, this library preserves eight centuries of manuscripts, printed volumes, and archival materials within a historic abbey complex in central Ravenna.
At a glance
The Classense Library holds approximately 850,000 volumes, ranging from medieval codices and incunabula to contemporary works. Its collections include rare manuscripts, ancient maps, engravings, and photographs, alongside the Ravenna Municipal Historical Archive and two museum collections dedicated to the Risorgimento and Dante Alighieri.
History
The library’s origins trace to Sant’Apollinare in Classe, a Camaldolese monastery located five kilometres south-east of Ravenna. Following the Battle of Ravenna in 1512, the monks relocated to the city’s walled centre, establishing a new abbey from 1513 on Via Baccarini. They brought their manuscript collections with them.
In the 17th century, Abbot Marino Bonetti promoted the acquisition of printed volumes. Under Abbot Pietro Canneti (1704–1714), the monastic collection expanded significantly with precious codices and incunabula, becoming known as the “Libreria dei Camaldolesi.”
Following the Napoleonic suppression of religious properties in 1803, the Camaldolese and other city religious orders merged their book collections to form the Civic Library of Ravenna, later renamed the Classense Library. Since 2002, it has been managed by a dedicated institution.
What you see
The library occupies the Classense Abbey building on Via Baccarini, constructed above the site of the former Polenta hospital of Santa Maria della Misericordia. Special collections rooms house medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, alongside modern reading facilities renovated in recent years.
In 2011, the multimedia section relocated to the main office, consolidating DVDs, CDs, and videotapes. The newspaper library remains at Via Guido da Polenta, adjacent to the Oriani Library.
Cultural significance
The Classense ranks among Italy’s principal libraries, preserving continuous documentary evidence spanning from the tenth century to the present. Its collections reflect Ravenna’s intellectual heritage and include major personal archives of scholars, archaeologists, and writers including Corrado Ricci, Luigi Rava, Vincenzo Monti, and Manara Valgimigli.
The library’s role extends beyond book preservation: it maintains the city’s official historical archive and curates two specialised museums, making it a comprehensive centre for historical research and cultural memory.
Key facts
- Address: Via Alfredo Baccarini, 3, 48121 Ravenna
- Coordinates: 44.41455132072522, 12.199791669845581
- Phone: 0543 722222
- Collections: Approximately 850,000 volumes
- Managed by: Classense Library Institution (since 2002)
Practical information
Opening hours and admission fees are not listed; contact the library directly or visit the official website for current details. The institution offers access to special collections by appointment.
Getting there
The library is located in central Ravenna at Via Alfredo Baccarini, 3. The Ravenna Municipal Historical Archive and the newspaper library occupy a nearby annex at Via Guido da Polenta, 4.
Sources & resources
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