Over 20 kilometers of books. Can you believe it? That’s the astonishing length of shelves in the Biblioteca Pública Municipal do Porto. We stand before this magnificent institution a true treasure trove of Porto’s literary and historical heritage.
Established in 1833 by decree of King Pedro IV this library’s roots go deep. Its initial home was the Hospício de Santo António do Vale da Piedade. Later it moved to the Convent of Santo António da Cidade. This building which now houses the library is itself a historical landmark. It’s been classified as a Public Interest Building since 1974.
The library’s inaugural collection was quite remarkable. It started with books from various convents and private collectors. Imagine the thrill of handling those 16 original manuscript volumes among the first acquisitions. These precious texts had already seen extensive use. Alexandre Herculano reported an initial collection of 36000 volumes and 300 manuscripts. Quite a beginning!
The Biblioteca Pública Municipal do Porto didn’t always hold this municipal title. Initially it was the Royal Library of Porto. It became a municipal library in 1876 under King Luís I. This transition solidified its role as a vital cultural resource for the city of Porto.
The library’s collection is not just vast but also rich in history. It boasts rare manuscripts such as the legacy of the Count of Azevedo acquired in 1877. Even today the library continues to acquire new works adding to its already impressive millions of items. And to further enhance its collection the library is currently undergoing a major requalification project. It’s temporarily closing to allow for renovations under renowned architect Souto Moura.
The Biblioteca Pública Municipal do Porto is more than just a library. It’s a repository of Porto’s past. It’s a living testament to the city’s enduring love for literature and knowledge. This place breathes history and whispers stories of kings ministers and countless readers. Step inside and discover a world of untold stories.