From September 3rd to October 1st 2025, the Via Zirardini Open-Air Gallery will host L’AULA MAGNA DELLA BIBLIOTECA CLASSENSE, an exhibition of images, curated by Maria Sole Lega, that tells the story of the Aula Magna, recently returned to the public after careful restoration.
A symbol of Ravenna’s cultural heritage, it is adorned with stuccoes by sculptor Antonio Martinetti and paintings by Francesco Mancini, who created the ceiling fresco, Trionfo della Divina Sapienza.
The bookcases are the work of the woodcarver and monk Fausto Pellicciotti, and above them are portraits of illustrious Camaldolese monks, clipei with the insignia of Ravenna’s academies, and four large statues.
The hall houses two large globes by the Venetian cartographer Vincenzo Coronelli, which he donated in 1692. Between 1764 and 1782, three new rooms were built on the upper floor, while a final construction phase, completed in 1797, led to the creation of eight additional rooms.
On display in the panels are images of how it currently looks, with fascinating details and overviews.
