Ancient Franciscan Library

The ancient library of the Franciscan friars, located in the convent dating back to the second half of the 14th century, is the oldest nucleus of the current municipal library. In 1761 the architect Cosimo Morelli was commissioned to create an elegant library with square plan. This Aula Magna was originally destined to host the library of the convent; it was frescoed by Alessandro Della Nave and Antonio Villa who decorated it with a painted balcony with skylights, parts in stucco and others in faux marble.
This is the oldest part of the library, and it contains over 13,000 volumes – some of which are rare antiques that testify the history of Imola.

Franciscan Library
via Emilia 80
tel. 0542.602636
e-mail: [email protected]

Accessible to the disabled

Opening hours:
The Aula Magna can be visited by asking the staff (here the opening hours)