Of the most beautiful libraries in Lisbon, we’ve chosen 10 that you really have to visit, some are better known, others are real treasures to be discovered.
You’ll find the books of your life there.
Table Of Contents
St. Lazarus Library
Open since 1883, Lisbon’s oldest library is a well-kept secret on Rua do Saco (between Martim Moniz and Campo Santana) that you really must see.
The main feature of this space is the Salão Nobre. With a hexagonal layout and lined with hardwoods, is an austere place with an almost magical aura that wouldn’t look out of place in a Harry Potter movie. The whole scene is there: a huge chandelier in the center, bookshelves full of books and even a curious spiral staircase that leads up to the mezzanine that surrounds the room.
In total, the library’s various rooms hold more than 20,000 documents on different media, such as children’s books, various types of literature, technical manuals, magazines, newspapers, CDs and DVDs.
Address: Rua do Saco 1
Galveias Palace Library
Built at the end of the 17th century, this noble palace was the country house of the Távora family and the residence of the counts of Galveias (hence its name) before it became a library in 1931.
In 2017, it reopened with a fresh face after a renovation that restored its original luster and also increased the space for readers. It currently holds more than 120,000 documents.
Outside, the Mannerist gate, and the heraldic shield of Lisbon stand out. Inside, the wood stands out, the marble and the carved ceilings, as well as the tiles by Leopoldo Batistini (1931) and the busts of kings Pedro V and Luís.
Address: Campo Pequeno
Academy of Sciences Library
Located in the former Convent of Jesus, in Bairro Alto, this library occupies the imposing Great Hall of the Academy of Sciences.
Here, you’ll be dazzled by the paintings on the ceiling and the gilded shelves lining the walls.
In addition to the works of the Academy itself, which was founded in 1779, it also includes a large part of the former bookshop of the Convent of Jesus, with around 3,000 manuscripts and a valuable collection of works from the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
Address: R. Academy of Sciences, 19
Red Cross Library
The Palácio da Rocha do Conde d`Óbidos, next to the National Museum of Ancient Art, is home to the headquarters of the Portuguese Red Cross, where this beautiful (and unknown) library is located.
Its collection includes around 16,000 titles, ranging from monographs to national and foreign periodicals.
Highlights of the space include the paintings on the ceiling, the wooden shelves and the surrounding balustrade, as well as an imposing crystal chandelier in the center of the room, produced by Fábrica da Marinha Grande.
Visits require book in advance.
Address: Jardim 9 de Abril 1
Passos Manuel Library
The Library of the Assembly of the Republic, baptized in 2017 with the name Biblioteca Passos Manuel, is located in the former dormitories of the Benedictine monastery that gave way to the São Bento palace, now the seat of Parliament.
Its origins go back to the old Biblioteca das Cortes, created in 1836.
In total, it holds more than 180,000 volumes. Although it is mainly used by MPs and other Assembly of the Republic staff, it is also open to the general public looking for information on parliamentary matters.
Address: Rua de São Bento
Art Library of the Gulbenkian Foundation
National Library of Portugal
Ajuda National Palace Library
Sports Museum Library
Library of the National Archaeological Museum
As 10 bibliotecas mais bonitas do mundo… três delas ficam na Grande Lisboa