The Marciana National Library, which is part of St Mark's Basilica, was built on St Mark's Square in the 16th century and decorated with works of art by Titian, Tintoretto and many more. The first books in the National Library were donated by a cardinal in 1468. Over the years, the library became the National Library of the Republic of Venice - and is the last institution to have survived from this period. Today it has one of the most important collections of Greek, Latin and Oriental manuscripts and specialises in Venetian history, classical philology and collections of ancient geographical maps.
Among the 900,000 works in the library's collection are 13,000 manuscripts, 25,000 prints from the 16th century and even 2884 incunabula - prints from the 15th century, the early days of book printing.
The Marciana also contains extensive musical works, especially operas, and 6800 maps and early atlases.
The treasures in the library are immeasurable, including editions of Homer from the 12th century, the oldest map of Venice and Marco Polo's will.
Mo- Fri: 9.30 - 3.30 pm
The library is closed on the following days: Every Sunday, 1 and 6 January, Easter Monday, 25 April ,1 May, 2 June, 15 August, 1 and 21 November, 8, 25 and 26 December
Tickets for the National Library Marciana are included in the Venice City Pas.
Valaresso: Line 1
San Zaccaria: Line 1, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2
Giardinetti: Line 2
Address: Piazzetta S. Marco 7 30124 Venezia, Italy
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Tickets for the National Library Marciana are included in the >> Venice City Pass.
Free admission to Venice's museums, attractions, and tours. Free public transport can be added. Discounts included.
incl. VAT and service fees, free shipping via e-mail
