Bible described as the ‘Mona Lisa of illuminated manuscripts’ goes on display in Rome

ROME (AP) — A 15th-century Bible which is considered one of the most spectacular examples of Renaissance illuminated manuscripts went on display in Rome on Thursday as part of the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations.

The two-volume Borso D’Este Bible, which is known for its opulent miniature paintings in gold and Afghan lapis lazuli, was unveiled in the Italian Senate, where it will remain on display until Jan. 16.

The Bible is usually kept in a safe at a library in Modena and is rarely seen in public. It was transported to Rome under heavy security and its arrival in the Senate was televised, as workers hauled two big red crates from an unmarked van and then extracted the volumes, which were covered in bubble wrap.

The Bible, commissioned by Duke Borso D’Este, was created between 1455 and 1461 by calligrapher Pietro Paolo Marone and illustrators Taddeo Crivelli and Franco dei Russi. The Italian Culture Ministry considers it one of the highest expressions of miniature art “that unites sacred value, historic relevance, precious materials and refined aesthetics.”

It will remain behind humidity-controlled plate glass during its Roman sojourn, but visitors can “read” it digitally via touch screen displays featuring ultra-high-resolution images.

Alessandra Necci, director of Gallerie Estense in Modena, where the Bible is usually kept, describes it as the “Mona Lisa of illuminated manuscripts” because of its exquisite artistry and religious inspiration.

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, who is in charge of the Vatican’s Jubilee celebrations, told the presentation Thursday he hoped visitors would be inspired to go home and read their own Bibles after seeing the beauty of the Borso D’Este version.

He said the splendor of the text was a “provocation” that forces contemplation not just of its beauty but of the word of God contained in the text.

The Bible was commissioned by Borso D’Este as part of his celebration of faith and his own prominence, and was kept in the Este family until the last duke, Francesco V of Austria-Este, took it with him when he fled to Vienna in 1859, according to a history of the Bible on the Italian Senate’s website.

Necci said Borso D’Este spent what was then an exorbitant amount of money to create the most expensive book of the time. By demonstrating such opulence, the duke “wanted to celebrate not only the sacred book par excellence but also the elevated idea he had of himself and his dynasty,” she said.

It remained in the possession of the Habsburgs even after the Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved after World War I. In 1922, after Archduke Charles I died, his widow Zita of Bourbon-Parma decided to sell it to a Parisian antiquarian.

Giovanni Treccani, an Italian entrepreneur and arts patron, learned of the sale and travelled to Paris to buy it in 1923, paying 3,300,000 French francs. Treccani, whose name is famous today as the publisher of top Italian encyclopaedias, then donated it to the Italian state.

The Bible is being kept in a specially regulated display case that employs a conditioning system that maintains constant humidity to protect the parchment pages, which are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, officials said.

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Reporters look at the 15th century Borso D'Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, after its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican's Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

A journalist flips through a faithful reproduction of the 15th century Borso D'Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, during its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican's Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

A detail is photographed from a reproduction of the 15th century Borso D'Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, during its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican's Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

From right, Monsignor Rino Fisichella, Rome's Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian government undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano look at the 15th century Borso D'Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, after its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican's Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

A detail of the 15th century Borso D'Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, during its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican's Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

A journalist flips through a faithful reproduction of the 15th century Borso D'Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, during its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican's Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 7, 2025--

Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., the leading global Japanese hotel operator, is pleased to announce that The Okura Resort Hakone Gora, the first Okura Resort property in Japan, will open in 2029. The result of a collaboration with Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd., the new property will be located in the renowned hot spring destination of Hakone. An operational management agreement was signed on July 11, 2025, under the terms of which Nishimatsu Construction will develop and own the property, with Hotel Okura managing the hotel under The Okura Resort brand.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251202470677/en/

With its rich natural environment and beautiful seasonal landscapes, Hakone, one of Japan's leading hot spring regions, attracts almost 20 million visitors from within Japan and from overseas every year. A significant number of them stay overnight to enjoy the area’s hot springs, museums and natural surroundings.

The new hotel will be situated in the resort of Gora, an area blessed with abundant hot springs. It will offer stunning views of the Hakone mountains, including the iconic Myojogatake. Guests can experience unique local attractions, including the area's famous summer festival, while enjoying the majestic natural surroundings throughout the seasons.

Commented Toshihiro Ogita, President, Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., "We are delighted to be bringing our new brand, The Okura Resort, to Hakone, one of Japan's leading hot spring destinations. Known for its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural charm, Hakone has long been a favorite of both Japanese tourists and visitors from overseas. We look forward to offering a unique experience rooted in our philosophy of ' omotenashi ' (hospitality) in this special location."

The Okura Resort: Expanding Tradition into a Serene Landscape

The new Okura Resort brand embodies Hotel Okura's long-standing dedication to Japanese aesthetics and traditional hospitality rooted in the spirit of wa (harmony). It offers supreme relaxation in refined spaces, customized high-quality services, and exquisite cuisine featuring regional ingredients, all while co-existing in harmony with the local area and nature.

Design Embraced by Nature

The entire hotel design is being crafted by award-winning designer Gwenael Nicolas of Curiosity, a design studio based in Tokyo. Under the concept of a 'Forest Hideaway,' the property will blend into the lush natural environment of Gora, offering sophisticated spaces featuring warm green and beige colors. Expansive windows throughout the property will bring Hakone's mountains into view, providing a tranquil, immersive stay.

Luxurious Accommodations and Facilities

Comprising a West and East Wing, the hotel will feature 58 rooms, each equipped with a private open-air bath drawing on the renowned Owakudani Hot Spring waters. With a generous average room size of 63 square meters, including balconies, guests will enjoy spacious comfort. The spacious bathing area will offer an indoor hot spring bath along with dry and mist saunas. Dining options will include a fine dining restaurant with a teppanyaki counter, and a bar lounge in the lobby, all designed to offer a high-quality retreat in harmony with Gora's natural beauty.

Overview of The Okura Resort Hakone Gora

About Hotel Okura Co., Ltd.

Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., founded in 1958, opened its flagship Hotel Okura Tokyo in 1962 as a first-class hotel that quickly became renowned worldwide for its blending of traditional Japanese beauty with the very best in accommodation, cuisine and service. It closed its doors in August 2015, and after four years of rebuilding work reopened as The Okura Tokyo in September 2019. Hotel Okura has extensive expertise in the hospitality world, including asset ownership and hotel development, as well as hotel management, the restaurant business and chain operations through its subsidiaries and other group companies. The brand unites member hotels under its “Best Accommodation, Cuisine and Service” philosophy to ensure that all guests enjoy Okura’s signature hospitality, which combines Japanese attention to detail and Western functionality. Please visit www.okura.com.　

Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Hotel Okura, operates 79 properties (53 in Japan and 26 overseas) encompassing some 23,605 guest rooms (as of December 1, 2025) under three hotel groups: Okura Hotels & Resorts, Nikko Hotels International and Hotel JAL City. Please visit www.okura-nikko.com.

Rendition of The Okura Resort Hakone Gora Lobby