As a student, this is the best library!!!! They offer books for reference (italian of course),…read moreamazing (free) wifi, a beautiful view of the Duomo from multiple angles, plenty of inside and outside seating, and a cafe with the best cafe latte i've ever had!!! The only thing I wish was different was that this place was open 24/7 because I would never leave.

i would like to take the time today to announce to all of my loving fans that i am officially back…read moreand i live in italy now. i have been here now for some time... and during my sojourn here i have quite enjoyed my visits to the biblioteca delle oblate. usually i have absolutley zero work ethic and no desire whatsoever to do my homework especially now in my freshman year of university. the thing is that being the way that i am, i get good grades nontheless thanks to my charming personality so i never really take the time to absorb the material. this all changes the second i step into the library. by the grace of god there is a shift in the universe and the planets align giving me the motivation to actually do my work. i have read numerous novels and poems in these walls and have become extremly scholarly and educated. i would add that there is a cafe here just for prosterity because to me its not really relevant. expect more reviews soon, as i go on a journey of self-discovery and realization and embracing my new zest for life in my eurofall and winter.

Walking up those stone stairs a reminder goes through your head of the number of people, over the…read morecenturies, that have done the same thing. Entering the first room you are hit by the ceiling, wonderfully carved wood. Under your feet, don't walk on it, a beautifully tiled floor. The wooden benches that, again over the centuries, have seated many learned people. The central circular library room with its wonderful furnishings and paintings. Finally, a room filled with illuminated books written by those monks. No modern day computers to 'help' them and, jokingly, no spell check or tipex for those mistakes LOL. Finally, the cloisters where those hard working monks had their Spartan rooms. A fantastic few hours spent. Well worth hunting this bibliotheque out.

Patrons' Tour was a most treasured life experience. Fabulous group of attendees…read morecame together from all ports adding to the experience. Encourage all to attend. LAB

I had read about tea at the British Institute of Florence's Harold Acton Library and contacted them…read morebefore we left the U.S. to see if we could attend and were told "Of course." They offer their version of High Tea on Thursdays at 4:30 PM. For a requested donation of € 1.50 each, we had cups of tea with proper sandwiches, biscuits, homemade cake, and cookies. The tea is served in the one of the libraries. The British Institute sits right on the Arno River and we were treated to some wonderful views. It was a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon.

What a nifty library--the history of this location alone is an incredible story spanning epochs…read more I love libraries. They are a doorway into the community and culture of the neighborhoods they reside in. This one was no exception. Even though it's located in the most touristy part of town, right on the NE corner of Piazza Maggiore, there were plenty of locals and students alike perusing, studying, reading, making use of the total facilities. On a weekday afternoon around 2pm when I visited there were several uniformed student groups on field trips here, leaving around the time I arrived. Inside the entry is free and open to the general public. First door on the right upon entry is the children's library which consists of a few different rooms with reading materials for young children under 5-6, mostly illustrated books. Children's artwork decorates the walls. Walking into the main atrium, three stories of columned archways flank the spacious rectangular chamber. On each floor are visible reading/sitting/studying/browsing areas, classrooms, and bookshelves of various mediums. Elaborate wooden coffered ceilings frame a central skylight. Uniquely inset into the atrium floor are square glass panels, providing a view of the ancient ruins underneath the library. When I was there an exhibit on children's book illustrators and the illustrations was on display in one corner, I admired the varied styles, diversity of artists and artistic mediums--sketches, oils, paints, digital, etc, what terrific talent! Wandering around each floor the library lounge seating and study tables were packed! And the general silence is golden rule certainly was relevant. Following signs for the ruins in the basement, I made my way downstairs, where I came upon a hallway diagram showing the history of the museum and the grounds it occupies, then to the door that leads to the underground conservation area. Inside there are metal walkways constructed so you can walk over the stone wall remains of two main streets from Roman times. Very cool that you can see above into the current library thru the aforementioned glass window squares.

Right in the middle of the main square is an ornate beautiful castle. We looked at the photographs…read moreand the names of the people that died in the struggle for freedom. We walked into a beautiful ornate library. There were children's rooms that were well used. The glass floors looked down at the ruins alone. Pretty incredible! This library opened in 2001, but the building, Palazzo d'Accursiouch older. The ruins underneath are the remains from the ancient city of Bononia, dating back to 189 BC.There are also Etruscan ruins on site that predate the Roman ones. Ancient ruins are accessible from the basement floor, where there is information. The archaeological site is supposed to be visible from the crystal floor in the centre of the library, but I couldn't see through it.

The Duomo di Siena is one of the most visually appealing cathedrals in Italy...a place where art…read moreand devotion converge in extraordinary harmony. Towering over Piazza del Duomo in Siena's historic center, the cathedral immediately commands attention with its distinctive dramatic blackandwhite striped marble façade, a color scheme that reflects the ancient symbols of the city itself. While we have seen many beautiful Italian cathedrals, this one is one of the most unique ones. Stepping inside the cathedral is awe-inspiring and completely breathtaking. Unlike many cathedrals whose beauty lies primarily on the exterior, Siena's Duomo interior is splendid and grand. The interior is lavishly decorated with striped marble columns, gilded details, sculptures, and frescoes that make the space feel more like a grand art gallery than a traditional church. While indelible photographs are forever etched in our minds, our tour guide discouraged us from taking photos inside the cathedral. One of the cathedral's greatest highlights is its marble inlaid floor, created over several centuries by dozens of artists. Often described as one of the most beautiful cathedral floors in the world, it features intricate biblical scenes and moral lessons created in marble mosaic. When you view such beauty, it feels bigger than yourself. Majestic!

We were lucky enough to see the cathedral in October when the floors were uncovered and it was…read moretruly a sight to see. Absolutely worth the visit and make sure to go to the top of the bell tower during your visit for a spectacular view and a great photo opportunity.