The Biblioteca Ambrosiana, founded by Cardinal Federico Borromeo in 1607, was one of the first libraries to be opened to the public. It is undoubtedly one of the most important libraries in Italy and indeed in the world, owing to the vastness of its collections and the number and pricelessness of its codices. The library specializes on the fields of classics, history, literature, and religious studies. It also has an extremely rich collection of drawings, etchings, and prints, encompassing approximately forty thousand items. The Medal Collection is made up of more than twenty thousand coins and medals, including some items of exceptionally great value. See also the Pinacoteca and the Mediateca. For further information (e.g., opening hours, access, catalog, etc.), please consult the Biblioteca’s homepage.
Piazza Pio XI, 2 - 20123 Milano
tel. 02 806921 or direzione.biblioteca [at] ambrosiana.it (direzione[dot]biblioteca[at]ambrosiana[dot]it)