It was established in 1764 with the Constitutions for the reform of the University and placed, by the will of King Charles Emmanuel III of Savoy, in the building erected above the Bastion of Balice, designed by the military engineer Saverio Belgrano di Famolasco, which was intended to house the University, the Theatre, and the Tridentine Seminary. The Library was allocated a dedicated preservation and reading hall called the “Sala Grande,” today known as the “Sala Settecentesca,” furnished with elegant lacquered and gilded shelving. The Library was opened to the public in 1792 and over the years acquired additional spaces including the Chapel, with a barrel vault richly frescoed, now used as a room for preserving and consulting rare materials. Its original core consisted of the private library of the sovereign, funds belonging to the suppressed Jesuit Order, and copies of works that professors were required to provide. It currently houses more than 6000 manuscripts, 236 incunabula, and over 5000 sixteenth-century books.
Information on University Library of Cagliari
Via Università 32/a
09124 Cagliari (Cagliari)
070 661021
bu-ca@beniculturali.it
Source: MIBACT
