St. Anthony was the first friar in the Franciscan Order to teach theology, being officially authorised to do so by St. Francis himself.

Anthony also taught at Padua, and his work led to the establishment of a Centre, the Studium Generale, for the Order. Besides this internal school the friars also occupied the chairs of Theology and Philosophy at the University of Padua.
This scholarly activity required the availability of books, and therefore a good library. Books were purchased by the religious authorities, offered by friars and lay people, and donated by benefactors, helping the collection grow.

An inventory of 1396, records the presence of 400 manuscripts. Today, there are over 800, of which 600 date from the Middle Ages. The library also contains many incunabula and editions of the 16th and 17th centuries.

The present location of the Anthonian Library dates back to the middle of the 15th century. A bright central hall is decorated with 18th century frescoes illustrating the Blessed Mother's Glory among Franciscan Saints and theologians. Along the walls, there are twenty-four18th century walnut cabinets with various decorations.

Large Choral Books containing splendid illuminations are on display in special showcases.
Among the manuscripts there is the famous Treasury Codex, containing St. Anthony's works.

Also worth admiring are the terrestrial and celestial globes, crafted by Fr. Vincenzo Coronelli, a cosmographer of the Republic of Venice (1650-1718).

Opening hours: The library is open from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.30 to 16.30, Monday to Friday.

Information at: info@bibliotecaantoniana.191.it