Biblioteca Salaborsa

The basics

Because of its central location right on Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main public square, many visitors may pass by Biblioteca Salaborsa without even realizing it. Though the library is modern, the building’s long history reflects medieval, Renaissance, and baroque influences, and Palazzo d’Accursio is often included as a stop on walking tours through Bologna’s city center. Another way to experience the library is to attend a reading or participate in another public event.

Things to know before you go

• Children are welcome in Biblioteca Salaborsa, and the library has a special reading room for kids. Parents can also find changing tables in the restrooms.
• There is no entrance fee to visit the library; public events are often offered free of charge as well, though it might cost extra to attend certain exhibitions or other temporary shows.
• Check the library’s calendar ahead of your visit; unless otherwise noted, you can expect events to take place in Italian.
• Wi-Fi is offered throughout the library, so this is a great spot to catch up on emails without using up your roaming data.
• The library is accessible to visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair users. If you need other special accommodations, ask in advance.

How to get there

If you’re coming from inside Bologna’s compact historical city center, then Biblioteca Salaborsa is likely within walking distance. From Bologna Centrale Train Station (just outside the city center), you can walk 20 minutes or take Bus 25 toward Piazza Maggiore, which takes 10–15 minutes. Taxis are also available outside the train station, though many parts of the centro storico are pedestrian-only.

When to get there

The library is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, during regular business hours. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, so expect bigger crowds during peak season in Bologna, which lasts roughly from April or May through July (in August, Italians take their annual vacations). If you can, aim to visit Bologna during the shoulder seasons or in the winter outside the Christmas holidays. Plan on a quieter weekday or afternoon at the library if you’d like a more tranquil experience.

Other highlights in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore

One of Bologna’s most distinctive landmarks, Piazza Maggiore is filled with several of the city’s most celebrated historical attractions. Aside from Palazzo d’Accursio, one of the most famous structures is the Fontana del Nettuno, or Neptune Fountain, designed in the 16th century and featuring a statue of the Roman god of the sea. There’s also the medieval-era Palazzo del Podestà, with its eye-catching clock tower, and a Gothic church, the Basilica of San Petronio, dedicated to Bologna’s patron saint.