Discovering the Cultural Treasure of the Malatestiana Library Cesena, with Kids
If you are traveling parents hungry for adventures and history lovers, Cesena, a picturesque historic city in Emilia-Romagna, is the ideal destination for an educational trip with your kids.
Cesena is my hometown, and even though I didn’t understand what tourists found so interesting about this historic center when I was a child, I must admit that my perspective has completely changed as I grew up.
As a parent, I believe that Cesena is perfect for a trip with kids because the historic center is very small and easy to explore without tiring the kids too much.
There are many places to see just in the historic center, but today I want to focus on the city’s crown jewel: the Malatestiana Library Cesena.
The Malatestiana Library: A UNESCO Excellence
The Malatestiana Library is an architectural and cultural masterpiece dating back to the 15th century. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest public libraries in Europe still in use. For traveling parents who want to share their love for culture and history with their kids, this library is a must-see.
Founded within the Franciscan convent by the will of Malatesta Novello, it was started in 1447 and structurally completed by Matteo Nuti in 1452. The convent building, suppressed in the Napoleonic era, was transformed into a public school from 1839 to 1886 and is now also the seat of the Municipal Library. A splendid example of a monastic-renaissance library, it has remained intact in every part thanks to the joint custody of the friars and the Municipality. It preserves the original furnishings and an important collection of illuminated manuscripts.
Plan Your Visit to the Malatestiana Library in Cesena
Before starting your visit, carefully plan the itinerary, considering your kids’ age and interests. The Malatestiana Library can be fascinating but requires a targeted approach with younger children. Check the opening hours and the availability of guided tours.
Engaging Kids:
Before the visit, explain to your kids the importance of the library and the fascinating history surrounding it. Ask questions and engage them in a discussion about books and culture.
Interactive Visit:
During the visit, try to actively involve the kids. Point out the architectural details of the library and talk about the importance of books and knowledge. Organize a sort of “literary treasure hunt,” asking the kids to look for specific books or answer questions about the library.
If you plan to visit this heritage site, I recommend booking the visit through the official website of the Malatestiana Library in Cesena.
Relaxation Space:
Before leaving the library, I suggest stopping in the modern area of the Children’s Library to discover rooms dedicated to books of all kinds.
After the visit, take some time to explore other parts of Cesena. You might take a walk through the historic streets or enjoy an ice cream at one of the local gelaterias.
The Malatestiana Library in Cesena is a unique cultural destination that offers valuable learning opportunities for traveling parents and their kids.
Cesena offers much more than you might expect, and the Malatestiana Library is just the beginning of a wonderful family adventure in history and culture.
If you plan to stay for a few days, I also recommend visiting nearby Ravenna with your kids. Although much larger than Cesena, it is well worth the trip.
Enjoy your time in Romagna!
☀️ Sara ☀️
