The Bilbioteca Reale (Royal Library of Turin) is located on the first floor of the Royal Palace. This library is especially famous because of a number of Leonardo Da Vinci drawings. Together with several other attractions it is part of the Musei Reali Complex.
Royal Library Turin
Useful information
Address: Piazza Castello 191 – 10122 Torino. Phone: +39 011 19211630. Opening times: From 09.00 till 13.00 and from 14.00 till 18.00; Saturdays from 09.00 till 13.00; Sundays closed. Ticket price: Free.
History and description
The Biblioteca Reale was founded by Carlo Alberto in 1837. It was designed by the architect Carlo Amadeo di Castellamonte.
The Salone was designed by Pelagio Pelagi and the ceilings were painted by Moja and Trefogli. As befits a library, the theme of these monochrome paintings was Science and the Arts.
The collection consists of precious manuscripts, engravings and drawings. Several of the manuscripts are illuminated, with miniature illustrations.
Leonardo da Vinci
The Leonardo Da Vinci drawings include a self-portrait, the Codex on the flight of birds and a preparatory drawing for the “Madonna of the Rocks”. Final versions of the latter can be seen in the Paris Louvre and in the National Gallery in London.