Libreria Nanni

Libreria Nanni is a historic bookshop in the heart of Bologna, known for its over two centuries of activity and as the heir to the Antica Stamperia della Colomba, which was transformed in the 19th century into an antiquarian bookstore. Founded in 1825 by the Marchesi family, it is considered the oldest bookshop in the city of Bologna. Located under the evocative Portico della Morte on Via de’ Musei, it offers visitors a unique atmosphere with its distinctive Parisian-style stalls from the 1920s.

This long cultural tradition makes it an unmissable landmark for those who love books and the history of Bologna.

Two Centuries of History

Over its 200-year history, Libreria Nanni has built a true cultural heritage. In 1928, Arnaldo Nanni took over its management, installing the typical Parisian-style stalls under the porticoes. After World War II, the Nanni family promoted the research of rare texts and publishing initiatives, reprinting works on philosophy, medicine, science, and literature. Thanks to these activities, the bookshop now holds a true cultural treasure of thousands of valuable and antique volumes. In 2025, Libreria Nanni celebrated its bicentenary with a major public event titled Due secoli d’amore (“Two Centuries of Love”), attended by the Minister of Culture and the Mayor of Bologna. These celebrations underscore the historical and social significance of this unique place.

Famous Clients

The bookshop boasts a long list of renowned clients. The great poet Pier Paolo Pasolini fondly recalled his visits there as a young man, describing them as “the most beautiful memory of Bologna”, referring to the first books he purchased there at the age of fifteen. The scholar Umberto Eco was also a regular visitor to Libreria Nanni in search of rare volumes for his personal library. These connections with major 20th-century intellectuals highlight the cultural importance of the shop, which continues to be a reference point for new generations of readers.