Capitular Library

The Capitolare Library of Verona, located in the heart of the historic center near Piazza Duomo, is recognized as one of the oldest libraries in the world still in operation. Its history dates back to the 5th century AD, when the Scriptorium of the Schola Ecclesiae Veronensis was established for the transcription of manuscripts by the canons of the Cathedral Chapter. This institution has accumulated an extraordinary collection of manuscripts, incunabula, and ancient texts over the centuries, becoming a center of excellence for the study and preservation of knowledge. The heritage of the Capitolare Library is truly impressive. The collection includes over 1,200 manuscripts, 245 incunabula (the first books printed between 1450 and 1500), 2,500 books from the 16th century, and 2,800 from the 17th century. In addition to these ancient treasures, the library owns more than 70,000 volumes, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, specialized publications, and journals. The library also has a laboratory for the restoration of ancient codices, a testament to its ongoing commitment to preserving its invaluable heritage. Among the most famous manuscripts in the Capitolare is Dante Alighieri’s “Quaestio de aqua et terra,” written after a lecture given by the poet in Verona in 1320 at the church of Sant’Elena. Another illustrious guest was Francesco Petrarca, who in 1345, during a visit, discovered in the library Cicero’s letters to Atticus, Quintus, and Brutus, works that were believed to be lost. These examples show how the Capitolare has been a beacon of culture and knowledge for centuries, frequented by the greatest intellectuals of the time. The library’s history is marked by numerous dramatic events. During the plague of 1630, many volumes were hidden to protect them from the construction work of the new structure. These texts were only rediscovered in 1712 thanks to the efforts of Scipione Maffei and Carlo Carinelli, and their return to the library was a great joy for the city. However, during the Napoleonic campaign, the library suffered serious losses with the looting of many volumes, some of which were only recovered after Napoleon’s fall in 1814. The flood of the Adige River in 1882 and the bombings of World War II represented other significant challenges for the library. During the flood, over 11,000 parchments were destroyed, while in 1945 librarian Giuseppe Turrini managed to save the most precious volumes by transferring them to safe places before the bombing. After the war, the library was completely renovated and reopened in 1948, maintaining its historical charm intact.