The University Library and the University of Valencia's old building
The Biblioteca Histórica de la Universitat de Valencia is located right inside the old University building in the Ciudad Vella. The library dates back to 1785 by the donation of the Valencian icon Francesc Pérez Baier (philologist, numismatist and jurist). It was inaugurated in 1788. Following Baier, other professors offered their libraries to expand the university library.
During the Napoleonic Invasion a bomb fell on the building and caused a fire and as a result most of the books was lost. Valencian professors and rectors rebuilt the collection of the library and the university created a fund for it as well.
It opened its doors in 1837 again. During the following years, monasteries, convents and nobles donated to the library.
The Library was a depository of the books taken from individuals and institutions during the Civil War and after. The collection of the posters of the Civil War is worth mentioning.
Currently the Library is acquisiting old works printed in Valencia and by Valencian authors. Its collection contains of newspapers, maps, coins, medals and cameos.
Interesting facts
- It was founded in 1546 by Fernando de Aragón, Duque de Calabria, and his wife Germana de Foix
- It houses over 250,000 books, manuscripts, and other documents, making it one of the largest university libraries in Spain
- The library's collection includes some of the most important works of Valencian literature
- The library is also home to a number of important historical documents, such as the Privileges of the Holy See, which were granted to the University of Valencia in 1436
- The library is located in a beautiful 16th-century building, which was originally the Convent of San Miguel de los Reyes
TIP
Right next to the Library there is the Iglesia del Patriarca (Royal College Seminary of Corpus Chrisi) and its Museum which worth a visit as well.
