Vatican Apostolic Library
Established in 1474 by Pope Sixtus IV, the Apostolic Library of the Holy See houses more than a million and a half books, 300,000 coins and 8,300 incunabula. Once considered the largest library in the world, it's not only known for its exceptional setting, but also for the painted decorations that adorn its large reading room. Known as the Sistine Hall, this area was opened to the public as a reading room in October 2017 after several years of work. Built by architect Domenico Fontana between 1588 and 1589, it is decorated floor to ceiling. The frescoes were executed by about 40 painters whom Sixtus V had gathered for the occasion.
+© Michal Osmenda I CC BY-SA 2.0