The Biblioteca Laurenziana (Laurentian Library)
The Biblioteca Laurenziana (Laurentian Library) stands beside the church of San Lorenzo, on the square of the same name. From the Duomo (cathedral), follow Borgo San Lorenzo to the square. The entrance is to the left of the church.
Address: 9 Piazza San Lorenzo.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00–13:30. Closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Admission: €7.
The 15th-century cloister gives access to the library on the second floor. Pope Clement VII commissioned Michelangelo to draw up the plans. Within a square 9 m on each side, he designed the vestibule and the monumental staircase as elements subordinated to optical illusion alone. The reading room, which runs 46 m deep, is lined with benches and lecterns.
