Національна центральна бібліотека National Central Library

Rating 8110

This institution is one of the most important Italian and European libraries. Together with the National Library of Rome, it serves as the central national library. The collection includes almost 6 million volumes, 25.000 manuscripts, 3.700 incunabula, 29.000 16th-century editions, and more than a million letters and autographs. The primary basis of the library was the collection of Antonio Magliabechi, who bequeathed 3.000 volumes in 1714 "for the common good of the city of Florence. " Over the two centuries, the library has evolved, incorporating other collections and entire libraries. In 1911, work began on the construction of a new library building. Architect Cesare Bazzani's project was continued by architect Vincenzo Mazzei. Construction was completed in 1935. The project was not fully implemented. In 1962, additions were made that connected the west wing of the building with the complex of the monastery of Santa Croce.
Now it is a monumental building with towers, sculptures, bas-reliefs, arches and columns.

The library suffered huge losses from the floods of November 4.1966. The water rose by 6 meters, flooded storage facilities, including basements. Much of the funds were lost forever. Hundreds of volunteers from around the world, later called "Angels of Dirt", worked in harsh conditions, without electricity, in the cold, trying to save what could still be saved. In 1967, a memorial plaque was erected on the facade of the library in their honor, honoring those who "saved the Florentine heritage after the Florentine flood. "