Vatican Library

    Pope Sixtus V commissioned the architect Domenico Fontana in 1587 to build a new, larger library, which stands today. The top floor of the building is occupied by the Sistine Hall, which is now part of the Vatican Museums. The richly frescoed hallway is lined with cabinets that for centuries held the library’s manuscripts, which are now housed in a separate but neighboring place in the Secret Vatican Archives, founded under Pope Paul V (1605-1621).

    Comments and faves

    1. ★

      richardr, CP Shelton, Dirk vdE, Nuestra Señora del Sagrario, and 53 other people added this photo to their favorites.

    2. iWho? (68 months ago | reply)

      I could sit and gaze into this room all day. Probably a controversial opinion but I found it more awesome than the Chapel. I am so pleased access to this room is restricted as you can forget about the hoards of tourists as they pass behind.

      Thanks for sharing with "They don't make them like they used to"

    3. richardr (68 months ago | reply)

      I thought this was being shut for restoration? Have I confused it with something else?

    4. Lawrence OP (68 months ago | reply)

      I think the Sistine Hall is classed as part of the Vatican Museum, and so it remains open. The library proper which is housed beneath this Hall is closed for a 3-year restoration project.

    5. GloriousKaos (68 months ago | reply)

      Just... wow.

      --
      Seen on your photo stream. (?)


      Please add this photo to Flickr Envy- Public - (Invited Images Only)

    6. jacquie pics (68 months ago | reply)


      Seen in Flickr Envy - Public - (Invited Images Only)

    7. Sir Cam (68 months ago | reply)

      fantastic composition, lawrence!

    8. Concha D. (68 months ago | reply)

      Amazing place!!!!

    9. *Checco* (68 months ago | reply)

      Great place, exceptionally captured!!

    10. a.alfalo (68 months ago | reply)

      nice colors

    11. Lawrence OP (68 months ago | reply)

      Thank you all. No photo can capture the richness of this Hall, so do try and visit it!

    12. Isco72 (68 months ago | reply)

      Spettacolare!

    13. DAISY R. (68 months ago | reply)

      Amazingly wow!

    14. nersess (64 months ago | reply)

      Good picture, excellent work!

    15. emiltx56 (62 months ago | reply)

      Stunning. Lifts my soul to the Lord. Thank you so much for freely sharing this picture which I will use as a screen saver. God bless.

      Emil

    16. Indiana Jonsmo (52 months ago | reply)

      Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Library Beautiful, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

    17. Stephanie / seenonflickr (45 months ago | reply)

      Hi, I'm an admin for a group called look what I saw on Flickr!, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

    18. This photo was invited and added to the Perspective group.

    19. ragendem (11 months ago | reply)

      Thanks for sharing! I made a Nook Wallpaper from this photo.
      I attributed the original photo to you and published the wallpaper under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
      license.

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