POLO REALE, Royal Library

The ground floor of the building housing the Beaumont Gallery and the Armory is the historic home of the Royal Library. When you enter the large hall, you'll be left speechless by its monumental, majestic, Neoclassical setting.

The Library was designed by the court architect Pelagio Palagi, who also saw to its decorations and furnishings. Look up at the frescoes with allegorical scenes about the arts and sciences which underline the library's cultural value. Around you you'll notice two levels of walnut wood bookcases and a balcony with a beautiful wrought iron railing.

The Library has a wonderful collection of about 200,000 volumes, manuscripts, drawings, parchments, photo albums, geographic maps, engravings, miniature codexes, and prints. It was founded thanks to King Charles Albert, who rose to the throne in 1831 and enriched the family's book collection by purchasing antiques throughout Europe....