Constructed on a plan by J. Sansovino and completed by V. Scamozzi, the monumental rooms of St Mark’s National Library open off an imposing doorway. The entrance hall ceiling features Wisdom by Titian while in the false niches of the walls of the Reading Room is a series of paintings, among which The Philosophers by J. Tintoretto. The library has valuable examples of Byzantine and Venetian bound books, as well as illuminated manuscripts, early printed books and illuminated codes. Situated in the area once occupied by the Venice Mint, you enter through the grand doorway by V. Scamozzi. The great Reading Room occupies what was once a central courtyard covered by a wide skylight. The library includes Greek and Latin codices, manuscripts and early printed books. It seems that it was founded thanks to Franceso Petrarch who promised to leave his manuscripts to Venice if a library named after St Mark were to be built. Next to the Correr Museum is the Archeological Museum with a rich and precious collection of ancient sculptures, including many Greek originals, as well as numismatic archeological collections. 

LIBRARY OPENING TIMES
Monday to Friday 8.10am-7pm Saturday 8.10am-1.30pm
The library has organized guided visits to the monumental Halls of Sansovino's Library, reservation by phone (Dr. Elena De Mattia e Ms. Mariachiara Mazzariol, tel. n. 0412407223 Sat. and Sun. from 9am - to 5pm).

The monumental Halls of Sansovino's Library belong to the St. Mark's Square integrated itinerary with unique entrance at Correr Museum.