Last Updated on 16 August 2025 by Vanessa
For C-AT WORK, photographer Marianna Zampieri went to Ravenna, to visit a true gem of Italian culture: the Classense Library (also called Classense Biblioteca or even Libreria Classense in Italian). This extraordinary facility houses more than one million books from all eras and… three great cats.
This is the second installment in a series of photos by Marianna Zampieri called C-AT WORK, featuring cats in the workplace. You can see part one here.
Meet the cats of the Classense Library in Ravenna, Italy
Classense Library (Classense Biblioteca) in Ravenna, one of the most beautiful libraries in Italy
The Classense Library or Classense Biblioteca in Ravenna is a treasure trove of history, culture, and art.
Founded in 1741 by the Augustinian monk Father Sebastiano Antonio Serlio, the library is a real architectural jewel and is often cited as one of the most beautiful and important libraries in Italy.
Over the years, the library grew in size and reputation. It attracted scholars and intellectuals from all over Italy and even beyond.
Today, it is home to more than one million volumes, including rare illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages, incunabula, and early printed books by Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarca, and Giovanni Boccaccio.
In addition to its extensive collection of books and manuscripts, the Classense Library also holds a number of ancient coins, Roman inscriptions, and artworks from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Many of these items were donated to the Classense Library by prominent figures in Ravenna’s history.
Another highlight of the Classense Library is its stunning architecture. The library is housed inside a Camaldolese monastery built from 1512 onwards. The building was renovated in the early 20th century to create a modern, spacious library that could accommodate the growing collection of books and manuscripts.
Today, visitors to the library can admire the elegant neoclassical façade of the building and the grand reading rooms that are filled with natural light and stunning architectural details.
If you plan to visit Ravenna, the Classense Library is a must-see for anyone interested in history, culture, art, and… cats.
Cats of the Classense Library
Classense Library is currently home to three resident cats.
The employees of the Classense Library discovered the cats right after they were born. They took care of them until they were old enough and then gave them a permanent home within the library.
Obama
Among them is Obama, a black kitty known for his friendly nature. He is very approachable and gladly provides companionship to individuals in the reading room.
Byron
The black and white cat, Byron, is a bit more reserved.
He often chooses to retreat to the archives. Despite his reserved nature, he’s extremely charming and forms strong attachments to those who care for him.
Teresa
Finally, there’s Teresa, a true diva.
“She showed me the library’s most exquisite spots and posed like a professional model,” Marianna Zampieri says.
Other things to do in Ravenna
Don’t want to go to Ravenna just to see the cats and library? Ravenna has much more to offer. Here are ten additional activities to consider during your visit:
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ravenna has well-preserved Byzantine mosaics and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the Arian Baptistery.
- Dante’s tomb: Italian poet Dante Alighieri’s final resting place within the Basilica di San Francesco is a significant pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts.
- Historic center: In Ravenna’s charming historic center, you’ll find narrow streets, medieval architecture, and beautiful squares.
- Ravenna Domus: The underground archaeological site of the Domus of Stone Carpets includes many well-preserved Roman mosaics.
- Classis Ravenna Archaeological Park: The ancient Roman port of Classis Ravenna features ruins of warehouses, shipyards, and the remains of a Roman road. The onsite museum provides further context and artifacts.
- Ravenna beaches: Lido di Dante and Marina di Ravenna are popular spots where you can soak up the sun, swim in the Adriatic Sea, and enjoy beachside amenities.
- Rocca Brancaleone: The Rocca Brancaleone is a medieval fortress, dating back to the 15th century. It offers panoramic views of the city.
- Gourmet tour: The Emilia-Romagna region is known for its traditional dishes such as piadina (a thin Italian flatbread), cappelletti (pasta filled with meat or cheese), and the area’s famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Pair your meal with a glass of Sangiovese wine.
- National Museum of Ravenna: This museum in the former Benedictine monastery of San Vitale houses a collection of sculptures, ceramics, and religious artifacts that provide insights into the city’s history and culture.
- Bike rides: Ravenna is a bike-friendly city. You can enjoy a leisurely ride along the city’s bike paths, discover the countryside, or cycle to nearby attractions.
Practical information
Address
Biblioteca Classense, Via Beccarini 3, 48121 Ravenna, Italy.
The library is approximately a 15-minute walk from the train station to the Biblioteca Classense. If you prefer to take the bus, you can exit Ravenna train station and head towards Piazza Baracca. From here, you can take Bus Line 2 or Bus Line 4.
Opening hours
- Monday: 02:00 pm – 07:00 pm
- From Tuesday to Saturday: 09:00 am – 07:00 pm
Guided tours
A guided visit to the monumental spaces is available upon request.
From Tuesday to Friday, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 03:00 pm to 06:00 pm
Website
About the photographer
Marianna Zampieri is a photographer – or “catographer,” as she likes to call herself – who captures the beauty and adventurous lives of cats in Venice (and Italy in general) and their bond with their humans.
She has published three books – Cats in Venice Volume 1, Cats in Venice Volume 2, and Cats in Venice Volume 3 – as well as several cat calendars featuring the cats of Venice.
For an even greater immersion into Marianna’s world of feline photography, be sure to explore her other posts here on Traveling Cats:
- Meet Leo, the “feline manager” of the Oliveti stationary store in Vicenza
- These are the cats that live at the legendary Library of High Water (Acqua Alta Libreria) in Venice
- Cat Sound Studio in Badia Polesine – where music and cats converge
- Maine Coon cats near the canals in Venice, photographed by Marianna Zampieri
English version / version française
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