Lovers of ancient
books, parchments and illustrations can simulate being real-life
researchers touching some of the world's rarest documents at a new
exhibition on the treasures of the Vatican Library.
No need to bring white cotton
gloves, they will be provided to increase the sensation of authenticity,
even though documents that can be touched are high quality facsimiles.
The
exhibition, which opens to the public on Wednesday in St Peter's
Square, re-creates a mini version of the frescoed rooms of the Vatican
Library, which houses more than 1.6 million rare books, manuscripts,
coins, first editions and wax seals.
Among
the facsimiles of documents that can be touched is the Borgianus
Latinus, a missal for use at Christmas made for Pope Alexander VI, who
became pope in 1492, the same year Columbus discovered America.
Another is an edition of Dante's Divine comedy from 1564.
Some original works are on display but cannot be touched, including a page of the Koran from the 7th century.
The
exhibition -- called "Understanding the Vatican Library: a History Open
to the Future" -- is at the Braccio Carlo Magno on the left-hand side
of the colonnade in St Peter's Square and remains open until January 31.
SIC: Reuters/INT'L