The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading (Real Gabinete Português de Leitura) is located on Luís de Camões Street in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This place houses one of the largest collections of Portuguese literature outside Portugal, with about 350,000 volumes, including historical manuscripts and modern publications.
This historic library is a must-visit for book lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
How Did This Stunning Library Come to Be?
The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading was founded in 1837 by a group of 43 Portuguese immigrants and political refugees.
Their goal was to promote culture and preserve their literary heritage in their new home.
Over time, this library has become the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside Portugal, housing nearly 350,000 volumes.
A Look Inside The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading
The library was designed by Portuguese architect Rafael da Silva e Castro and was constructed between 1880 and 1887 in the Neo-Manueline style.
The building was inaugurated on September 10, 1887, by Princess Isabel of Brazil and her husband, Prince Gaston, Count of Eu.
This architectural style is reminiscent of Portugal’s Gothic-Renaissance period, evoking the grandeur of the Age of Discovery.
This style, named after King Manuel I of Portugal, is characterized by its intricate details, ornate decorations, and a sense of grandeur.
The building’s façade, inspired by the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, features statues of notable Portuguese figures like Pedro Álvares Cabral and Luís de Camões.
Inside, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking reading room with floor-to-ceiling wooden bookcases, a stunning chandelier, and a skylight—the first of its kind in Brazil.
The intricate design and attention to detail make this library a true architectural wonder.
What Makes the Reading Room Architecturally Grand?
The Reading Room is in the center of this historic building and was designed in the Neo-Manueline style.
The reading room’s walls are lined with floor-to-ceiling wooden bookcases, crafted with exquisite attention to detail.
These towering shelves are filled with over 350,000 volumes.
The dark wood of the bookcases adds to the room’s rich, warm atmosphere, making it a perfect place for readers to lose themselves in literature.
One of the most striking features of the reading room is its skylight, which was the first of its kind in Brazil.
This cast-iron structure allows natural light to flood the room, illuminating the books and enhancing the beauty of the space.
Hanging from the center of the reading room is a magnificent chandelier that adds to the room’s elegance and charm.
Did You Know About the Treasures Within The Library?
The library’s collection includes rare and precious works, such as a first edition of “Os Lusíadas” by Luís de Camões from 1572 and other significant literary pieces.
Every year, the library receives around 6,000 new titles from Portugal, ensuring that its collection continues to grow.
In addition to books, the library also boasts a remarkable collection of paintings by artists like José Malhoa and Carlos Reis.
Visitors can also admire the “Altar of the Homeland,” a beautiful monument made of silver, ivory, and marble, celebrating Portugal’s Age of Discovery.
What Makes This Reading Room a Literary Hub?
The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading isn’t just a library; it’s a vibrant cultural institution.
It publishes the magazine ‘Convergência Lusíada’ and offers courses on Portuguese literature, language, history, anthropology, and the arts.
The library has played a significant role in Brazilian literary history, hosting the first five sessions of the Brazilian Academy of Letters under the presidency of Machado de Assis.
Who Can Enjoy This Place?
Open to the public since 1900, the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading welcomes visitors from all over the world.
Admission is free, and the library is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Whether you’re a book lover, a history buff, or simply curious about Portuguese culture, this library is a must-see destination.
Why Is This Library Like No Other?
In 2014, Time magazine named the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading the fourth most beautiful library in the world.
With its stunning architecture, rich history, and vast collection, it’s easy to see why.
This “jewelry box” of a library is not just a place to read books but a place to experience the beauty and grandeur of Portuguese heritage.