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.

Walk out the back of the cathedral and across the street this amazing library!!…read more The details just in the open courtyard are stunning! You can go up stairs as well and explore we were unfortunately running out of time.

This library is part museum, part municipal library with some of the historic rooms and anatomical…read moreamphitheater open to the public. Reservations are recommended tho not required on weekdays. On a Tuesday afternoon in early April there were several high school student groups visiting and maybe a few dozen other regular tourists. Tickets are €3 in person and an extra €0.50 to reserve online in advance. I imagine the lines and crowds in the summer are longer. Upon entering the main entrance on the ground floor, most visitors take a stroll around the central courtyard then head up the stairs to the 1st floor (2nd floor to non-Europeans). Atop the stairs the main library room is on the right and the hallway to the anatomical theatre and public exhibit space and historical auditorium is on the left. The staff will direct tourists to the left, they're very strict on granting access to the functioning library rooms to only students with valid student IDs and reservations. The anatomical theatre is one of a few better known of such historical facilities in Bologna, being that it's traditionally a university city and they used to study anatomy science in this type of lecture hall. Raised seating overlooks a central table on a platform, where bodies were placed. This building was part of the university of Bologna until the university location moved to a more NE section of the city. There were some descriptive plaques placed outside which explained its functions and how this particular room was severely damaged during WWI, then reconstructed. After sitting and taking in the room, the progression of the visit follows a hallway where in April there was a temporary exhibit on Italian comic books and graphic novels. There wasn't a lot of English translation though it was intriguing to view the pages, art, books on display. Following this exhibit was a step into one of the former auditorium classrooms which showcases some of the thousands of student coats of arms lining the walls and ceiling within this complex. Apparently each coats of arms represented a student's background, and the honor of placing this permanent badge on the wall went to elected students leaders. An interesting spot to spend 45 min to 1 hour checking out. Reservations are required on Saturdays and holidays. There are lockers and bathrooms located in the building. Mobility accessible entry available.

One of the oldest bookstores in Verona. It happens to be in the city center, which allows you to…read morebreak off from all the tourists. The air-conditioning isn't that great and it's barely cooler in here than it is out there. The place is filled with Italians, which is nice. Plus there's a little café downstairs, which was also filled with nerdy, scholarly, book loving Italians. There was a tiny used book section that offered English titles.

Palazzo Ducale or the Doge's Palace was one of my favorite parts of my trip to Venice. Ducale or…read moreDoge means Duke. The Duke was the highest governing position in Venice, and this is once where they lived. While strolling St. Mark's Square I already admired the beauty of the building. The building has gothic architecture with influences from the Byzantine times, Islamic and European Medieval styles. My camera does not do its' beauty justice. The tickets to Doge's Palace are time entry tickets, but they didn't seem to be too strict compared to other museums. Tickets are 37€/person. There is a baggage check in area for large items like a backpack, at no cost. It's nice because my boyfriend and I left our stuff there, even things that weren't required to be checked so we walked around more lightly. I only kept my phone for photos. One of the first things I remember seeing is the snitch mailbox. In the olden days the citizens were encouraged to rat on one another and they can leave anonymous tips for the government here. Unfortunately as a result many were wrongfully imprisoned... and there is a full on prison in the later ends of the tour. It was really scary to walk through. On a more positive note, there had the most stunning golden staircase and one of the most incredible largest paintings in the world, the Il Parasido by Jacopo Tintoretto. A must visit when visiting Venice!

Situated between the Basilica di San Marco and the Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront, the Palazzo…read moreDucale, or Doge's (Duke's) Palace, is arguably the jewel in the crown. It was the seat of the government of Venice for centuries and hosted various government institutions, including the Great Council and the Council of Ten, which controlled the affairs of the republic. Its façade featured intricate marble reliefs, elegant arches, and decorative elements that showcased the beauty of the place where my partner, our friend, family members, and I had gotten self-guided tickets without a reservation last Saturday and moved quickly. One entered the palazzo through a door next to the Lagoon into an enormous courtyard and the Arco Foscari. Here we saw the mix of styles that made up the palace, as successive doges tried to make the palace ever more magnificent. Inside, one can explore a series of opulent rooms, grand halls, and ornate chambers adorned with exquisite artworks, stunning frescoes, and elaborate ceilings. Notable rooms include the Doge's apartments, the Hall of the Great Council, and the Chamber of the Council of Ten. Plan a minimum of two hours to get a good bit of history, which is a living echo of a world that helped shape Europe. We can recommend.

I was so excited to read that Ca'Foscari gave tours of the university. I have always been…read moreintrigued by the beautiful palaces that sit on the Grand Canal and this is one of them. We met Elena on Saturday morning for our tour. It cost € 7 each to attend. There were only a total of 8 people on our tour, which made it more personal by Elena. The school is celebrating 150 years - 1868-2018. Some highlights of the tour were: they have the 2nd largest courtyard after the Palazzo Ducale; they originally offered 3 courses - Business, Diplomacy and Language; Foscari was the Doge for 30 years; and he was 53 when he became a Doge. After a brief history, we were shown the most stunning Mario Baratto Room - "Aula Baratto". The wide view on Canal Grand offers a majestic view of the Rialto Bridge on the left and the Accademia Bridge on the right. In 1936, Carlo Scarpo completely redesigned it. Carlo Scarpo work is easily recognizable by the style of the wooden windows, the furniture and the marble stage. The fascist work 'Venice, Italy and Scholarship' of Mario Sironi remained however on the wall. In 1956, Scarpa converted the large aula into a smaller room for lectures. His woodwork which separates the corridor from the aula is very fine. In addition to Ca' Foscari, we were able to tour the Ca' Dolfin. The 16th century Ca' Dolfin is located on the other side of the Rio di Ca' Foscari and was acquired by the university in 1955. You enter into a lovely, quiet garden. The impressive Aula Magna Silvio Trentin is now the main location for large events. As soon as you enter, look up and take in the sumptuous ceiling painting with 18th century frescoes. You feel really overwhelmed by the colors and images. One remarkable detail is the sculpture of a dolphin above the door. It refers to the Dolfin family who originally owned the building. Unfortunately, the 10 original wall paintings of the Venetian painter Giambattista Tiepolo had been sold by one of the former owners. The mirrors which now decorate the walls hide these empty spaces perfectly. From the terrace, you have lovely views of the rooftops and churches of Venice.

Lots of fun books here, but other things as well. I got two shopping bags - LOQI bags for Venice-…read morethat I always get where ever I go as my souvenir. I was pleased with the bags- had a hard time finding LOQI bags with Venice on them. Price wasn't bad- 9.90.

Be careful to visit this library museum, which was closed by the time I visited. There's no signs…read moresaying they'll be closed online or upon the booking with agents, and the only way to find out is walk in front of the door.

During my trip to Venice, I visited Libreria Acqua Alta TWICE. Why? The first time was during the…read moreafternoon on a weekend and seeing a glimpse of the entrance, I already knew that I was going to have a different experience than what I had imagined. ~ SUPER POPULAR PHOTO OP SPOT ~ TikTok/Instagram brought in a huge crowd in this tiny, cramped bookstore. Shoulder to shoulder, we all walked through. It almost felt like cattle being herded. So if you're a bit claustrophobic, your comforts may be tested in here. It was so crowded that my sister-in-law wasn't able to walk through the entire space and opted to leave the store. I was determined to reach the end where there is a mountain pile of books that you're able to climb over. A staff member was ushering everyone to quickly take their photo at this popular photo op spot and get a move on. It was so hectic that I couldn't even function enough to have my photo taken. I wanted to see the gondola, pet the resident cats, and buy a book and some souvenirs, but I was tunnel-visioned on getting some fresh air, that I just had to get out. ~ COME EARLY, RIGHT WHEN IT OPENS ~ On another day, I had the intent of waking up at the crack of dawn so that I would be at Libreria Acqua Alta's entrance a few minutes before they opened. And I am so glad I did! Such a different and wayyyy better experience than prior. I met the two resident cats and was able to pet them. I found the other photo op in a gondola that's on standby adjacent to the store. And I was at peace browsing through the entire store looking for the perfect book and souvenir to take home. There were still a few people who had the same idea of going in early, but it was still a huge 180 from the first time I went. ~ UNIQUE BOOKSTORE, A MUST IN VENICE ~ All in all, I am so glad I went a second time. I was able to appreciate fully this unique bookstore and the piles and stacks of books all around. Love this spot!!!

Super cute and viral bookstore in Venice known for their picturesque book steps and book wall in…read morethe back of the store. Funny enough, I totally forgot about the book steps/wall when we got there but still had a great time walking around and exploring the bookstore. Their totes are popular and they had a variety of colors but it felt a bit pricey (€15 as of May 2026) for what it was. Lots of different books, with some specialty Venice books. I got a "Cats of Venice" book for a cat lover in my life which I thought was a unique souvenir to bring back. They had the entire "Little Books of Fashion" collection so I picked up a Little Book of Bottega Veneta as my own souvenir but noticed the book was priced higher than what they sell in the States (€20 versus ~$12-17 in US) - just FYI. They also had Libreria Acqua Alta postcards and bookmarks. We came mid-day in May and there was no line to get in. The actual bookstore itself is not big with narrow aisles so it was a bit crowded once we got in but it was manageable. No line to check out. We had several days in Venice which is why we stopped by but if you're only here for a day, I don't think it's a must-do.