Discovering the Timeless Charm of the University Library of Pavia
Step into the realm of history and intellectual wonder at the University Library of Pavia, one of Italy's oldest public libraries. The Pavia University was founded in 1754 by Maria Theresa of Austria, during a time of educational reform. For centuries it has been a hub of knowledge. Join us for a visit to the University of Pavia on our 12-Day Walk and Wonders Tour.
The library opened to the public in 1772 and moved to its current location in 1778. Luminaries such as Albert Einstein (who lived in Pavia and frequented the university during his subsequent regular visits), Alessandro Volta (the inventor of the electric battery and discoverer of methane), Albrecht von Haller (a famous Swiss naturalist and anatomist) and Joseph Frank (an equally prominent German physician), once roamed the halls of this library and university. The library contains a treasure trove of scientific texts and rare herbaria. It also houses the exceptional Aldini fund collection, donated by Pier Vittorio Aldini. Overall, it has an extensive collection of over 1,500,000 documents including books, journals, videos, and other significant artefacts.
The highlight of the library is the Teresian salon, named after Maria Theresa. With its grand wooden shelves, carved cornices, and a rounded balcony. It blends historic charm with a scholarly atmosphere.
The library's collection includes contributions from notable figures like Charles Joseph of Firmian. It also holds handwritten documents by Nobel laureates Camillo Golgi and the previously mentioned Albert Einstein, preserving centuries of knowledge within its walls.
The library's herbaria collection features both ancient and modern botanical studies. It includes preserved plant specimens from famous botanists like Giuseppe Moretti and Santo Garovaglio, making it an invaluable resource for studying plant biodiversity and taxonomy. While the past is meticulously preserved, the University Library of Pavia also thrives as a modern research hub, continuously supporting academic endeavours with its extensive digital resources and contemporary facilities.
The University Library of Pavia is more than just a library; it is a monument to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
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