Cultural Heritage of Europe in Collections of
the National Library of Russia

Since the National Library of Russia was founded in 1795, it has been collecting and keeping the documentary heritage of many nations from around the world.
Today the Library’s holdings contain more than 34,5 million printed and written items related to various historical epochs and cultural traditions. The earliest document, which we have, was created in the 10th century B.C.
The manuscripts collection (more than 450 000 items), and numerous collections of rare printed materials (books, maps, pictorial materials) are of special importance for studies in the world history.
This display shows documents created in Europe within seventeen centuries (from the 3rd century A.D.): rare editions as well as autographs of the prominent state and political figures from the different European countries, well-known scientists and artists.
On the view are items related to the history of 46 countries participating in the CENL Congress, prepared by the staff members of the National Library of Russia for the 20th Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Foundation CENL (Saint – Petersburg, September 27-29). The materials are held in the Manuscript Department, the Rare Book Department, the Cartography Department, the Archive Documents Department, and the Prints Department. For the most of materials it is the first publication.
I hope that this electronic album will contribute to the traditional scientific and cultural relations between Russia and Europe.

Director General of the National Library of Russia
President of the Russian Library Association
V. N. Zaitsev