Russian National Library (Rossiiskaya Natsionalnaya Biblioteka)

Russian National Library (Rossiiskaya Natsionalnaya Biblioteka) Review

Opened in 1814 as the Imperial Public Library, this was Russia's first public library, and today it's still known fondly as the "Publichka." It holds more than 20 million books and claims to have a copy of every book ever printed in Russia. Among its treasures are Voltaire's personal library and the only copy of Chasovnik (1565), the second book printed in Russia. The building comprises three sections. The main section, on the corner of Nevsky prospekt and Sadovaya ulitsa, was designed by Yegor Sokolov and built between 1796 and 1801. Another wing, built between 1828 and 1832, was designed by Carlo Rossi as an integral part of Ploshchad Ostrovskovo. The facade is adorned with statues of philosophers and poets, including Homer and Virgil, and the Roman goddess of wisdom, Minerva. You can see the facilities if you bring your passport and ask very nicely. Using the library requires a passport, registration note (a note from a hotel, in the case of tourists), and two photos.