The Bibliotecca Malatestiana, in Cesena, Italy. One of two remaining medieval libraries in all of Europe. This space stands in stark contrast to the styles that would ensue in the following centuries where ornament and intricacy of space was paramount. Here, there is no decoration. The ceiling and walls are painted a beautiful, cool, light green, like dew on grass. The vaults are simple, and resolve themselves through slim columns. The column capitals the only carving in the room.
In the mid 1400s, books were rare, and valuable. A single book would be composed of a hundred sheep skins, left out to dry for a year. Then each book would take a year to scribe by hand. Few could read them, making this library unique for being public from the beginning. Because of the value of each book, they were given metal bindings, which were chained to rods that ran along the fronts of the desks. This looks like a church, but it predates the use of pews in churches. During medieval times, prayers sat on the floor. Here, the bench desk combinations were used for reading, The reader would go to the book. Because they were chained, all of the original books remain. It is an inspiring place, one that instantly brings the inhabitant back to a former time. The serenity and focus is inspiring. The ambition of a public library in the Middle Ages is inspiring.