“A room without a book is like a body without a soul” – Marcus Tullius Cicero

The Julius Kugy library includes rare, antique and modern volumes about alpinism, nature, history and traditions of the area and of the mountains. The library room, where the old fireplace was restored, was built in solid spruce and furnished with Frau sofas, antique rugs and coffee tables

Exploring the shelves you will find a copy of Everest, the account of its first ascent autographed by Sir Edmund Hillary, Climbing Free by Lynn Hill dedicated to the Valbruna Inn. Le Mani Dure signed by Rolly Marchi when staying at the Inn, a first edition copy of Alpinismo Acrobatico by Guido Rey and of Scrambles Among the Alps by Edward Whymper, along with Julius Kugy’s bibliography in English, Italian, French and German.The architect, Mrs. Toni Cester Toso chose two classic design of sofas by Frau, the Vanity Fair in red and the Bonnie in green.

The Vanity Fair model is a replica of the celebrated 904 model that was part of Poltrona Frau’s catalogue in 1930 and became an archetype after which modern armchairs have been patterned ever since. It is known the world over for its typical rounded shape and the rows of leather-covered nails that add the finishing touch to the seatback and arms. The padding uses both hand-fashioned vegetal horsehair and rubberized horsehair, the seat cushion is filled with goose down. The springing of the seat, back and arms is by means of biconic steel springs, tied manually and rested on jute belts.

The Bonnie model reproposes the styling of the wing armchairs of the 19th century, with their richly finished upholstery. It is ideally suited to recreate period atmospheres. The seatback, with its diamond-shaped upholstery, and the broad arms, featuring pleats and welts, underscore and enhance the timeless beauty of quality leather. The seatback uses Greek springs and is characterised by stitching and leather-covered buttons. The springing of the seat is by means of steel Greek springs. The back sports a finishing touch consisting of a row of leather-covered nails.

“Hic bonum vinum meliorque hospitalitas”, the phrase within the old drawing above the fireplace declares that “here good wine and better hospitality”.