The structure also houses some precious incunabula from the 15th century and is located in a bright room on the first floor, with a surface area of 50 square metres. The custom-made furnishings cover all the free walls of the room, harmoniously integrating the existing elements, starting from the hearth and the two windows overlooking the entrance of the abbey, providing the visitor with a new space for research and of recollection. It is made up of three large pieces of furniture, one linear and two corners, and provides approximately 150 meters of shelves. Conceived to integrate harmoniously with the surrounding architectural environment, it has the capacity to accommodate up to 5,200 volumes.
The design was entrusted to the Cesena architect Filippo Tisselli, who adopted an approach that respects the historical and architectural characteristics of the place. The exclusive use of exposed solid larch wood reflects an approach aimed at enhancing the feeling of authenticity and continuity with tradition. The classically inspired lines, despite their simplicity, fully achieve the objective of putting the heritage of the volumes at the centre, without taking refuge in pure functionality.
The bookshop was presented during a press conference attended by the Abbot, Don Mauro Maccarinelli, the Councilor for Culture of the Municipality of Cesena Carlo Verona, the Councilor for the Budget of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Paolo Calvano, the CEO of CIA-Conad, Luca Panzavolta, and the president of the Foundation, Luca Lorenzi.
“We are proud – says the CEO of CIA-Conad, Luca Panzavolta — to have been able to contribute to this project (with 39,000 euros, ed.), in a place so close to the history of the city and the hearts of its inhabitants: the new library is not just a place for storing books, but becomes an element that enriches and completes the historical environment of the Monte Abbey, thus contributing to its precious cultural heritage. In this way we renew our commitment to the communities in which we were born and operate.”
