The current site of the Biblioteca Statale Isontina (a library) had, since the latter half of the 19th century, been the Imperial Royal High School Ginnasio Statale (Staatsgymnasium).

In this school, attended by Italian, Slovenian and Croatian students, at the beginning of the 20th century the philosopher Carlo Michelstaedter, together with his friends Nino Paternolli, Enrico Mreule and Biagio Marin, completed his first studies.

At the Biblioteca Statale Isontina there is still the foundation “Fondo Carlo Michelstaedter,” that includes an important collection of drawings, paintings, letters and manuscripts. It was established in 1973 by Paula, the philosopher’s sister.