Biblioteca Salaborsa, Bologna

Historic Site and Library in Bologna

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Lorenzo Gaudenzi

At the northern edge of Piazza Maggiore, beside the Fountain of Neptune, stands one of Bologna's most fascinating modern landmarks — the Biblioteca Salaborsa. Far more than a library, this light-filled cultural space seamlessly blends past and present, offering visitors the rare chance to walk above the remains of ancient Roman Bologna through a transparent glass floor. For travelers seeking both knowledge and history, it's one of the top attractions in Bologna and a great place to visit on a walking tour of Bologna, connecting literature, architecture, and archaeology under one magnificent roof.

The library's transformation in 2001 turned part of the historic Palazzo d'Accursio into a vibrant civic hub. Today, locals gather here to read, study, and relax amid elegant architecture and the visible layers of history below their feet.

History and Significance of Biblioteca Salaborsa
Things to See and Do in Biblioteca Salaborsa
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Biblioteca Salaborsa
Is Biblioteca Salaborsa Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Biblioteca Salaborsa
Nearby Attractions to Biblioteca Salaborsa

History and Significance of Biblioteca Salaborsa

The site that now houses Biblioteca Salaborsa has a long and dynamic history stretching back to Roman times. Excavations revealed that this very spot once formed part of Bononia, the ancient Roman city that predated medieval Bologna. Over the centuries, the area evolved — serving as a marketplace, a garden, a stock exchange (sala borsa), and even a basketball court — before finally being converted into the city’s central public library at the turn of the 21st century.

In 2001, the northern section of Palazzo d'Accursio, Bologna's historic Town Hall, was transformed into the library's new home. The project preserved much of the building's 19th-century grandeur while integrating contemporary design. The most striking feature is the glass floor in the central atrium, which allows visitors to peer down into an archaeological site containing ancient walls, streets, and wells from the Roman and medieval eras. These ruins can also be explored up close from the basement level, where detailed displays explain the site's evolution across time.

Things to See and Do in Biblioteca Salaborsa

Step through the main entrance facing Piazza del Nettuno and you’ll be greeted by an airy, light-filled atrium framed by elegant iron columns and a decorative glass ceiling. Beneath your feet, visible through the transparent flooring, lie the ruins of Roman Bononia — one of Bologna’s most evocative glimpses into its ancient past.

For those wanting a closer look, descend to the lower level to explore the archaeological walkways, complete with information panels in multiple languages. Upstairs, the library's reading rooms, exhibition areas, and multimedia spaces showcase Bologna's commitment to culture and innovation. Biblioteca Salaborsa also hosts regular talks, art displays, and educational programs, making it a lively part of daily city life.

Whether you come to study, admire the architecture, or uncover the layers of history beneath, Biblioteca Salaborsa is a perfect reflection of Bologna itself — scholarly, welcoming, and timeless.

How to Get There

For those arriving by train, Bologna Centrale is the nearest major railway station and about a 15–20-minute walk or short bus ride to Piazza del Nettuno, where the library is located. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. Travelers arriving by car can park at Parcheggio VIII Agosto or Tanari Parking, both within easy reach of the city centre. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Biblioteca Salaborsa

Best time to visit Biblioteca Salaborsa: Mid-morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free; includes access to the archaeological area.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 am–8 pm; Saturday, 10 am–7 pm; closed Sunday and Monday.
Official website: www.bibliotecasalaborsa.it
How long to spend: 30–60 minutes, depending on your interests.
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with lifts to all floors.
Facilities: Café, restrooms, reading rooms, and exhibition spaces.
Photography tip: Capture reflections of the ruins through the glass floor with the ironwork and skylight above.
Guided tours: Offered occasionally or during cultural events.
Nearby food options: Cafés and gelaterias along Piazza del Nettuno and Via Rizzoli.

Is Biblioteca Salaborsa Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Biblioteca Salaborsa is one of the must-see places in Bologna for anyone who appreciates culture, design, and history. It's a space where the intellectual and architectural heart of the city beats strongest — where you can browse a book while gazing down at Roman foundations that have endured for over two millennia. Both peaceful and inspiring, it's one of the few places in Bologna where past and present coexist so visibly and harmoniously.

FAQs for Visiting Biblioteca Salaborsa

Is the library free to enter?
Yes, admission is free for everyone.

Can visitors explore the ruins?
Yes, the archaeological site beneath the library can be accessed from the basement level.

Does the library host events or exhibitions?
Yes, regular cultural programs, lectures, and art displays are held throughout the year.

Is photography allowed?
Yes, for personal use, especially in the atrium area.

Can I sit and read without a library card?
Yes, all reading and public areas are open to visitors.

Nearby Attractions to Biblioteca Salaborsa

Basilica of San Petronio – A short walk away, Bologna's grand Gothic cathedral.
Piazza Maggiore – Bologna's main square, surrounded by architectural landmarks.
Fountain of Neptune – A Renaissance masterpiece directly in front of the library.
Palazzo d'Accursio – The historic town hall adjoining the library.
Palazzo del Podestà – Known for its whispering vault beneath the portico.

The Biblioteca Salaborsa appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bologna!

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