Biblioteca Classense
Historic library in the former Camaldolese abbey of Classe in Ravenna, with the Aula Magna, the Sala Dantesca and visitable art collections.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Biblioteca Classense is housed in the former Camaldolese monastery of Classe, in Ravenna. Its collections originate from the activity of the Camaldolese monks, who were the first collectors of books and works of art. After 1804, when the abbey became a public library, the collections were enriched with holdings from the other city monasteries, as well as with purchases and donations, both for the books and for the art.
Besides manuscripts and early editions, the library preserves paintings, prints and drawings, Dante and Risorgimento relics, memorabilia of Lord Byron’s stay in Ravenna (1819–1821), and coins and medals, including a decanummium of the Ostrogothic age of Theodoric. The Dante collection dates from 1865, when Dante’s bones were rediscovered and buried again; in 1921 it was set up as a museum in the Franciscan cloisters.
Visitors can see the Aula Magna, with paid admission and, on request, the Sala Dantesca, which houses The Wedding at Cana (1579–1580) by Luca Longhi and the Dream of St Romuald by Francesco Longhi. The Corridoio Grande presents a cycle of Benedictine figures and a gallery of scholars and writers from Ravenna. The upper 18th-century rooms can be visited only with staff, during events or on a paid guided tour.
Highlights
- Aula Magna of the former Camaldolese abbey
- Sala Dantesca with The Wedding at Cana by Luca Longhi
- Corridoio Grande with the cycle of Benedictine figures
- Dante and Risorgimento relics
- Relics linked to Byron’s stay in Ravenna
- Manuscripts and early editions
Permanent exhibition
- Sala Dantesca e Corridoio Grande – Historic rooms of the library with The Wedding at Cana by Luca Longhi, the Dream of St Romuald by Francesco Longhi, a cycle of Benedictine figures and a gallery of illustrious citizens of Ravenna.
- Founded
- 1804
- Operated by
- Comune di Ravenna – Istituzione Biblioteca Classense
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 14 · Free admission up to 14 years (Aula Magna). |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion. |
| Groups (5+ people) | –Guided tours on request with a minimum of 5 participants: €30 for groups of up to 15 people, €45 for groups of 16 to 25 people (over 25, several groups are formed); the cost is added to the ticket. |
The single €3 ticket for the Aula Magna is bought at the library bookshop. Free admission also for accompanying teachers and school groups from the Municipality of Ravenna (free guided tours for Ravenna schools). No charge is stated for the Sala Dantesca.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site publishes a card on the accessibility of the buildings and an accessible reading service.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Library bookshop, where the ticket for the Aula Magna is bought.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Paid guided tours by reservation (at least one week in advance, by e-mail to segreteriaclas@classense.ra.it or via the online form). The free “Passeggiate tra i chiostri” (walks among the cloisters) will return in 2027. The site promotes a free app with an audio guide. |
