The Ancient Library of the Seminary offers the opportunity to take guided tours of the historic 18th-century halls to learn about the history of the collections and to get a close look at ancient printed books, manuscripts, and incunabula.
The tours are designed for groups of around 25 people. Larger groups or school classes require specific arrangements. For school groups, the tours are preferably conducted during public opening hours (Tuesday-Thursday from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm). For different needs, afternoon visits can be arranged in advance.
A contribution of €5 per person is required to support the library services.
To book a visit, please call the direct line 049 2950835 during public opening hours or send an email to info@bibliotecaseminariopda.it at least one month in advance of the requested date.
Initiatives
Promoted by the Ancient Library of the Bishop’s Seminary of Padua
REMEMBERING FRANCESCO PETRARCA
On the occasion of the Days for the Enhancement of Ecclesiastical Cultural Heritage 2024, the Diocese of Padua is proposing several initiatives:
– Friday, May 17th at 5:30 PM
Meeting at the Diocesan Museum. From the Bishop’s Palace to the Baptistery and to the canonical house of Francesco Petrarca in the city with Andrea Nante, director of the Diocesan Museum of Padua.
– Saturday, May 18th at 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM, meeting at the Bishop’s Seminary. Visit to the historical rooms of the Ancient Library with an exhibition of Petrarchan manuscripts and printed books with Giovanna Bergantino, director of the Library of the Seminary of Padua.
– Sunday, May 19th at 10:00 AM
From the Bishop’s Palace to the Baptistery and to the canonical house of Francesco Petrarca in the city with Andrea Nante, director of the Diocesan Museum of Padua.
PAPER SATURDAYS
Three days to open the doors of the Ancient Library of the Seminary and showcase its wonderful library heritage through three paths designed for both adults and children:
- On May 13th, the initial date of the Days for the Enhancement of Ecclesiastical Cultural Heritage 2023;
- On June 17th for the celebrations of the founder of the Seminary, Saint Gregorio Barbarigo;
- On July 15th to conclude the 2023 school year
As part of a dialogue between scientific research, the cultural community of the University and the city of Padua, and with the sponsorship of the American Boccaccio Association, the exhibition to be held in the historic rooms of the Ancient Library of the Seminary has been organized with the aim of showcasing, not only to the international participants of the conference, but also to the students of the University of Padua, the city, and the surrounding area (especially high school students), the wealth of heritage and knowledge about Giovanni Boccaccio. These have emerged and developed around Padua and are preserved among the treasures of the Seminary Library.
Boccaccio, Genealogiae deorum gentilium, Cod. 6
Boccaccio, Genealogiae deorum gentilium, Cod. 6
Ms 67 Biblioteca Antica del Seminario
DANTE IN THE ANCIENT LIBRARY OF THE SEMINARY
September-October 2021
Three evenings to celebrate the Supreme Poet with a series of lectures at the Seminary Theater, followed by an exhibition of manuscripts and ancient books in the 18th-century halls of the Ancient Library and an aperitif in the monumental Refectory Hall:
– Tuesday, September 14th, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Professor Chiara Ponchia: “The Representation of the Afterlife in the Illuminated Illustrations of the Divine Comedy”
- WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13th: EVENT CANCELED
- Wednesday, October 20th, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Prof. Mons. Don Stefano dal Santo: “The Church of the 14th Century in the Divine Comedy”
The lecture will be introduced by Mons. Don Riccardo Battocchio, President of the Italian Theological Association.
The events require a voluntary contribution to support the projects of the Ancient Library.
For information and reservations, call between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM at 049 2950811 or send an email to accoglienzaseminariopd@gmail.com
On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, a particularly significant copy of the Bible translated into German by Martin Luther was restored. This copy entered the collections of the Seminary Library at the beginning of the 19th century.
The restoration—made possible by the generosity of two sponsors (Studio Verde. Image Consulting by Ferruccio Ruzzante and the Lions Clubs Foundation 108. Ta3 Luigi Marchitelli) and carried out by Melania Zanetti—was presented to the press on December 22, 2017, in the “Gregorio Barbarigo” room of the Diocesan Museum of Padua.
A television report on the event: click here.
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On Friday, January 26, 2018, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, a roundtable dedicated to this Bible and its restoration took place in the “Gregorio Barbarigo” room of the Diocesan Museum of Padua (Piazza Duomo 12), featuring the following speakers:
- Franco BUZZI (Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana – Milan): The Translation of the Bible by Martin Luther and Its Printed Editions;
- Mari PIETROGIOVANNA (University of Padua): The Iconographic Apparatus of the Copy;
- Melania ZANETTI (Studio Res – Padua): The Restoration of the Copy.
The initiative was coordinated by Riccardo Battocchio (Ancient Library of the Bishop’s Seminary of Padua) and Andrea Nante (Diocesan Museum of Padua).
Poster: click here.
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– Information about the copy and its restoration: click here
– A page from the Diocesan Museum of Padua website: click here
– Article from Il Mattino (Saturday, December 23, 2017): click here
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