Gregorian Uni Mystery?

Question

So I'm heading to the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome next month for a conference. I've heard whispers about a secret society, maybe a student group, maybe something... older, that meets in a particular, rarely-used part of the library. Anyone know anything about it? I'm fascinated by university lore, and this place sounds ripe with it. Seriously, I'm a sucker for old libraries and hidden stories. Hoping to uncover something juicy during my visit.

kaethchenkoll · Answer

the "secret society" thing at the Gregorian is mostly just the old student confraternities, like the Academia Mariana or the various national colleges' groups. they're not secret, just low-key and mostly seminarians from specific countries. the library at the new sede is modern and open, no hidden rooms there. the older stuff you're thinking of is more at the Vatican Library or the archives of the Collegio Romano, which is a different building entirely.

agnieszkaschwarzkopf · Answer

honestly the Gregorian has enough real history that you don't need to invent societies. the library moved to the new sede on Piazza della Pilotta back in 2005ish, but the old collegio buildings around Sant'Ignazio still have that hush. if you want actual lore, ask about the Archivio and the old pontifical colleges, some of those have student confraternities dating back centuries. thats prob more interesting than any secret room.

leonoreresch · Answer

if you're at the Gregorian proper on Piazza della Pilotta, the building itself is pretty new and the library there won't give you much atmosphere. the lore you're chasing actually lives at the old Collegio Romano near Sant'Ignazio, and the Biblioteca Casanatense a few blocks away on Via di Sant'Ignazio is the one with the real "forbidden room" vibe. it's a public state library now, 18th century hall, and you can just walk in during opening hours. thats where i'd poke around if you want old shelves and stories, not the pontifical campus.

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