Biblioteca Malatestiana
The humanist library of the 15th century in Cesena, perfectly preserved and inscribed by UNESCO in the Memory of the World Register, visitable with a guide.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Biblioteca Malatestiana in Cesena is the only example of a convent humanist library perfectly preserved in its building, its furnishings and its book collection. UNESCO, the first in Italy, entered it in the Memory of the World Register. The idea came from the friars of the convent of San Francesco, who wanted a library for their studium (study house). In 1450 Malatesta Novello, lord of Cesena, took over the project and had it built in the convent.
The model was the library of the convent of San Marco in Florence by Michelozzo. The architect Matteo Nuti, from Fano, signed the work in 1452 with an inscription beside the entrance. On the tympanum of the portal appears the elephant, emblem of the Malatesta family, with the motto “Elephas Indus culices non timet”; the wooden door is dated 15 August 1454. The hall has a three-aisled plan, almost a church in miniature, with 58 pine-wood plutei (lecterns), desks that hold the codices and that bear the heraldic symbols of the Malatesta family.
The visit route includes the Aula del Nuti and the Sala Piana, which houses the book collection of the Cesena-born pope Pius VII Chiaramonti, and an exhibition space dedicated to Malatesta Novello, to the history of the library and to its treasures. A selection of manuscripts, a choir book of the Duomo cycles and of Cardinal Bessarion, and the smallest book in the world complete the visit.
Highlights
- Aula del Nuti with 58 plutei of the 15th century
- Sala Piana with the collection of Pius VII Chiaramonti
- Selection of manuscripts and choir books on display
- The smallest book in the world
- UNESCO Memory of the World Register
Permanent exhibition
- Malatestiana Antica – Aula del Nuti, Sala Piana and an exhibition space with a selection of manuscripts, a choir book and the smallest book in the world.
- Founded
- 1452
- Operated by
- Comune di Cesena
- Director
- Renato Serra
- Visitors per year
- approx. 246,657
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5people over 75, young people aged 18 to 25, groups of more than 10 people without a reserved slot, holders of FAI, Touring Club and Italia Nostra cards |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission from 0 to 18 years. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free with a disability card, including for the companion. |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree for students of all levels and for teachers, with documents. |
| Groups (11+ people) | €5 per personReduced rate for groups of more than 10 people who do not need a reserved slot. |
| Special ticket (short visits on scheduled occasions, or a route limited by works or displays) | €2 |
Free admission: First Sunday of the month and special days such as the European Heritage Days and the Festa dei Musei
Free also for residents of the Comune di Cesena, holders of the YoungER card (up to age 29), and holders of the AIB, ICOM and ANAI cards. Buying a ticket online includes a booking for the day and time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- 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 museum route is on the first floor, reached by two sets of stairs or by a lift. According to the library there are no architectural barriers, and it is easily accessible for children and for people with disabilities or mobility difficulties.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
According to the library, the visit is easily accessible to children too.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Papa (bus 5)
From Cesena station, about 15 minutes on foot, or bus 5 (ticket office opposite the station) to the Papa stop.
By car
Paid parking
Paid parking in the city; park-and-ride car parks (ippodromo, Montefiore shopping centre, cemetery of Ponte Abbadesse) with buses 4, 5 and 6.
From the A14 motorway, take the Cesena or Cesena nord exit, then follow the signs for the centre.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Bookshop with books and merchandise.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 40 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | For protection and safety, the visit takes place only with a library guide; maximum 25 people per session. Booking is recommended by telephone (0547 610892) or by email (prenotazioni@comune.cesena.fc.it), or online purchase. The 13:00 visits take place in English if foreign visitors are present. |
