Palatina Library

Library · Parma ·

Palatina Library

Library · Parma ·

Historic library with vaulted halls, antique volumes, and elegant woodwork

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Piazza della Pilotta, 3, 43121 Parma PR, Italy Get directions

@travelleisure

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"An important historic library housed in the palace ensemble, representing the city’s legacy of wealth and patronage prior to national unification and offering bibliographic and archival interest." - Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz is a writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest, Surface Magazine, Brooklyn Magazine, T Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country, Condé Nast Traveler, Robb Report, Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy" Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cities-in-italy-8708839

Palatina Library

Scott G.

Google

My wife and I spent a month in Parma this past September, and of all the things we saw and experienced, the Biblioteca Palatina stands out as one of the most beautiful places we visited. You step through the doors expecting another historic site, but what you find feels almost sacred — a long vaulted hall of carved wood, endless shelves of leather-bound books, and a ceiling so intricate it seems to float. The Palatine Library was founded in 1769 by the Bourbon dukes and designed by the architect Ennemond Alexandre Petitot inside the Palazzo della Pilotta complex. Over the centuries, it has grown into one of Italy’s most important collections, holding more than seven hundred thousand volumes, ancient manuscripts, and rare prints. The atmosphere still carries the weight of that history. Every inch of it whispers stories of scholars, artists, and dreamers who passed through these same corridors. We wandered through the main gallery slowly, not saying much, just taking it all in, the scent of old paper, the gleam of polished floors, the soft light coming through the tall windows. In a world that moves too quickly, standing there felt like stepping into another rhythm of time. If you ever visit Parma, make space in your schedule for this library. It isn’t only about books or architecture. It’s about the feeling of being surrounded by centuries of curiosity and creativity. For us, it was a quiet reminder that beauty doesn’t need to shout to leave a lasting mark.

E Scott P.

Google

This is one of those rare places where you don't just observe history; you feel it. Stepping into its quiet halls, surrounded by rows of antique volumes and elegant woodwork, there's a sense of stillness that goes deeper than silence. You can almost feel the presence of old minds still searching, still asking questions through the worn pages of a random text. It's a space filled with intellectual energy, beauty, and reverence for knowledge. Whether you're a scholar, a reader, or simply someone who appreciates the weight of written history, this library leaves a lasting impression.

Samantha P.

Google

The most incredible libraryI have ever seen. It's bursting with ancient books from floor to ceiling and when you walk to the end of the great hall and think you are done, there is another equally impressive wing off to your left. You cannot gain entry, but can view it from afair. The library is part of the greater Palazzo Della Pilotta complex. Your €16 ticket gives you access to the Library, Theatre, Archeological museum and the gallery. Your library visit will likely to short like ours, 15 mins is all you need but it will leave you in awe. It was like stepping back in time on an old movie set. It really is remarkable. Highly recommended

Jelena B.

Google

This beautiful library from 1761 is part of a larger museum complex, and to any book lover worth the entrance fee (12€ for all sections). The smell of old books is truly captivating.

Mark H.

Google

Wow. What more can be said about such an amazing collection of books. A collection of over 700,000 books in one place.

Veronica R.

Google

Have to purchase a ticket to see. Can't just buy one only to see the library but the entire Pilotta complex. Very sad

Rhi Z.

Google

Thanks friends for explaining about this library. It is extremely wonderful for me vising here as a publisher.

Beat A. S.

Google

Nice historic library. There are several rooms with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with old books. Pictoresque. As a public library, the entrance is free.

Brittany S.

Yelp

Pinterest, you got me. After seeing a pretty shot of this library in a Parma top sites to see article on Pinterest, I added it to our hit list. Here's why you should consider visiting Biblioteca Paladins when you're in Parma: 1.) it's free 2.) the ceiling is beautiful both in the main room and adjacent rooms 3.) you're most likely going to pass it anyway as you enter the town on foot from the train station - note that it's somewhat tricky to spot in the sense that it's buried within a building of other museums, etc. at the entrance to Old town 4.) the collection of old books, artifacts and busts on display is impressive 5.) let's face it, you need more cultural activities to add to your hit list with all the face stuffing that goes on in Parma

@travelleisure

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https://www.travelandleisure.com/cities-in-italy-8708839

Palatina Library

Scott G.

Google

E Scott P.

Google

Samantha P.

Google

Jelena B.

Google

This beautiful library from 1761 is part of a larger museum complex, and to any book lover worth the entrance fee (12€ for all sections). The smell of old books is truly captivating.

Mark H.

Google

Wow. What more can be said about such an amazing collection of books. A collection of over 700,000 books in one place.

Veronica R.

Google

Have to purchase a ticket to see. Can't just buy one only to see the library but the entire Pilotta complex. Very sad

Rhi Z.

Google

Thanks friends for explaining about this library. It is extremely wonderful for me vising here as a publisher.

Beat A. S.

Google

Nice historic library. There are several rooms with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with old books. Pictoresque. As a public library, the entrance is free.

Brittany S.

Yelp

Palatina Library

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