The National Central Library of Florence, designed by architect Cesare Bazzani in collaboration with V. Mazzei and completed in 1934, is located in Piazza dei Cavalleggeri. The building houses Italy’s largest national library and stands among Europe’s most significant public collections.
The library traces its origins to 1714, when scholar Antonio Magliabechi bequeathed his collection of approximately 30,000 volumes to Florence. Originally known as the Magliabechiana and opened to the public in 1747, the institution expanded through the merger of its holdings with those of the Biblioteca Palatina Lorenese in 1861. By 1885, it was renamed the National Central Library of Florence. Since 1870, the library has collected copies of all Italian publications, establishing it as one of the two central libraries of Italy.
Construction of Bazzani’s building commenced in 1911, representing a rare Italian example of architecture specifically conceived for library purposes. Bazzani, active as an architect and engineer from 1911 until his death in 1939, designed numerous major municipal works across several Italian cities.
About Cesare Bazzani
Cesare Bazzani (1873–1939) was a prominent and prolific Italian architect and engineer whose career spanned from 1911 to his death. Beyond the National Central Library, his commissions included the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna in Rome, the Palazzo del Governo in Terni, and Pescara Cathedral.
Details
- Architect: Cesare Bazzani with V. Mazzei
- Year completed: 1934
- Location: Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, Florence
- Construction began: 1911
- Function: National library, largest in Italy
- Architectural significance: Rare Italian example of architecture designed specifically for library use
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the National Central Library of Florence?
Architect Cesare Bazzani, in collaboration with V. Mazzei, designed the building. Construction began in 1911 and the library was completed in 1934.
When was the library first established?
The library was founded in 1714 when scholar Antonio Magliabechi bequeathed his collection to Florence. It was originally opened to the public in 1747 as the Magliabechiana and renamed the National Central Library of Florence by 1885.
What is the library’s significance in Italy?
It is Italy’s largest national library and one of the two central libraries of the nation, alongside the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Roma. Since 1870, it has collected copies of all Italian publications.