Acclavio Library – Bestat square

Designed by the Dèfense of Paris, the Bestat business and residential center was built to a design by the well-known architects Piccinnato and Consoli in 1979.

The idea behind the important urban complex develops from a large square (Piazza Dante) around which futuristic and slender reinforced architectures (made of glass and concrete) were designed to become houses, offices and directional hubs.

Overlooking the square and almost crowning the general design there is the new and functional Acclavio Library, which is externally characterized by its curved lines and large surfaces covered in glass.

The interiors are particular for their large volumes, the innovative architectural solutions adopted in the organization of floors, ramps and stairs as well as for the fine ceiling embellished with a spectacular intertwining of metal cables.

The book heritage includes over one hundred and sixty thousand volumes, many of which are rare, ancient and valuable. Among them, there are several first editions and autographed writings by important authors.

The collection is embellished with four incunabula, texts dating back to the 16th-17th-18th centuries and some autographed works by Salvatore Quasimodo.

Recently restored, it has become an important cultural and attractive pole also used for concerts, exhibitions, screenings and major events.