Carolina Rediviva
Uppsala län
Carolina Rediviva is a historic library building part of Uppsala University Library in Uppsala, Sweden. Construction began in 1820 and was completed in 1841, designed initially by architect Carl Fredrik Sundvall. It stands as the oldest and largest university library building in Sweden, named in remembrance of the earlier Academia Carolina. The building has undergone several expansions and renovations by architects including Axel Johan Anderberg and Peter Celsing. It houses significant collections in humanities, theology, and sociology, and offers specialized reading rooms for delicate materials. Notably, it safeguards the Codex Argenteus, a 6th-century Gothic manuscript, and the Carta marina map, both displayed in a permanent exhibition near the entrance. Carolina Rediviva is a protected historic monument located prominently on Carolinabacken hill in central Uppsala, surrounded by landmarks like the Uppsala Castle and English Park. Its architectural design features a neoclassical façade with a prominent portico and multiple floors, now expanded to twelve levels served by numerous elevators. The library remains a vital cultural and academic hub, blending rich history with modern scholarly functions.
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Astuce: Visit Carolina Rediviva during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy quiet study spaces. Check in advance for special exhibitions and consider booking guided tours if available. Entrance is generally free, but some special exhibitions may require tickets. The library offers facilities for researchers accessing rare collections, so prior appointment is recommended for special collections reading rooms.
Faits intéressants
- •Carolina Rediviva houses the Codex Argenteus, a 6th-century Gothic manuscript also known as the Silver Bible.
- •The library's permanent exhibition includes the Carta marina, a detailed 16th-century map of Scandinavia.
- •The building has grown from its original three floors to twelve floors, served by 15 elevators.
- •Construction began under King Karl XIV Johan, who personally inaugurated the project in 1819.
- •The original architect Carl Fredrik Sundvall resigned during construction due to conflicts with the building committee.
- •Carolina Rediviva is a listed historic monument and a central cultural landmark in Uppsala.
Histoire
The foundation stone of Carolina Rediviva was laid in 1817, with official construction starting in 1819 under King Karl XIV Johan's patronage.
The building was officially opened in 1841 but initially lacked heating and sufficient reading rooms.
Architect Carl Fredrik Sundvall resigned early due to disagreements, and subsequent architects including K.J.
Hjelm, Axel Johan Anderberg, and Peter Celsing contributed to expansions and renovations throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Originally three stories with half floors, the building now comprises twelve floors with modern amenities.
It was named to honor the demolished Academia Carolina, the university's former library building from the 18th century.
Carolina Rediviva has been protected as a historic building and continues to evolve as a central academic library.
Guide du lieu
Entrance Exhibition Hall
Located near the library's entrance, this hall displays some of the library's most treasured items, including original leaves of the Codex Argenteus and the Carta marina map. Exhibits rotate periodically but always feature significant manuscripts.
Reading Room A
A grand reading room featuring neoclassical design elements with views to the west and notable architectural details along the northern and eastern walls. It serves as a quiet study area with historical ambiance.
The Book Hall
A large hall designed to house the library's extensive book collections. It reflects the building's expansion to accommodate growing academic needs over the centuries.
