The birth and formation of the Library of the National Monument of Grottaferrata are closely connected to the history of the monastery of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata, better known as the Abbey of Saint Nilo, named after its founder.
The Monastery, founded in 1004, fits into the tradition of Byzantine Eastern monasteries.
The community organized and led by St. Nilo possessed its own book collection which it brought with it when it settled in Tuscolano. These books thus formed the first core of the library. With the invention of printing, the collection of printed books began to form alongside the manuscripts. The library also preserves a historical archive that houses important archival collections and a collection of drawings, prints, and historical photographs.
Over the years, all the library’s material has been housed in various locations within the monastery until 1770, when Abbot Carlo Mattei had a dedicated space built, arranging the books in exquisite wooden shelving. In 2001, following the renovation of the Renaissance palace of the commendatory abbots (15th and 16th centuries), the new Library was inaugurated.
To gain admission for reading, it is necessary to possess an annual membership card, issued upon presentation of a personal identification document and having reached the age of eighteen.
Consultation of manuscripts requires a letter of introduction from an academic institution. Most of the Greek manuscripts have been digitized and are available for consultation on site.
Within the framework of the “Educational Services System for Cultural Sites,” the Library has set up a guided tour program that can be booked by email at the institutional address. During the visit, it is possible to see the modern library located in the fine rooms of the Palace of the commendatory abbots and the Ancient Library located in the 18th-century Monastery.
Information about the State Library Annexed to the National Monument of Grottaferrata
Corso del Popolo, 128
00046 Grottaferrata (Rome)
0694541584
bmn-grf@beniculturali.it
https://www.bibliotecagrottaferrata.beniculturali.it
Source: MIBACT
