National Library of Portugal (Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal)
National Library of Portugal (Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal)
The National Library of Portugal (Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal) is on the University of Lisbon Alameda campus in the north of Lisbon near Campo Grande metro and bus station.
History
What was to become the National Library began as the Royal Public Library of the Court (Real Biblioteca Pública da Corte) in 1796. Its aim was to allow commoners access to the royal collections of manuscripts and books.
After the abolition of the religious orders in Portugal in 1834, this was renamed the National Library of Lisbon. The various book collections from the libraries of Portugal's numerous monasteries and convents were now included.
The library was located in the Chiado district of Lisbon.
The formation of the 1910 Republic led directly to more closures of religious orders and therefore more books added to the main national collection.
By now a purpose-designed building had become necessary to hold this vast resource. Architect Porfírio Pardal Monteiro designed the present building which opened in 1969.
The National Archives (Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo), also moved here in 1990.
Collections
The National Library is the largest library in Portugal holding more than 3 million items, the majority of which were published in Portuguese.
The collection mainly covers the 16th to the 21st centuries.
All major works published in Portugal since 1931 are included along with academic works and research papers from Portugal's universities.
The collection of important works from Portugal's history include thousands of rare printed books and manuscripts from the 12th century onwards. In addition, maps from Portugal and its former overseas territories, acquired during the Age of Discovery, form a part of the collection.
There are also collections of musical scores, both in manuscript form and printed, religious prints and drawings as well as both Portuguese and foreign periodicals.
The personal archives and papers of several prominent Portuguese writers are also in the collection. These include Fernando Pessoa, José Saramago, Eça de Queirós, Vergílio Ferreira and many others.
Nearby
Close to the National Library of Portugal and the University of Lisbon Alameda Campus are several Lisbon museums. The Museu de Lisboa, the Museu Bordalo Pinheiro and Sporting Museum within the Estádio José Alvalade.
Several hotels are also within close proximity of the campus. Recommended are the four-star VIP Executive Entrecampos Hotel & Conference, the Hotel NH Lisboa Campo Grande, and the Le Jardin guest house to the south east of the campus, and the Radisson Blu, an upmarket but reasonably-priced accommodation near Campo Grande.
The four-star Lisbon Marriott Hotel is on the west side along with the SANA Metropolitan Hotel.
Access
Cidade Universitária and Campo Grande are the nearest stations on the Lisbon metro.
Lisbon buses: #701, #717, #731, #735, #736, #738, #747, #750, #755, #767, #778, #783, #796, #798 to Campo Grande bus station.
Portugal's History
Hotels in Lisbon Portugal
Hotels in Portugal - Booking.com
Hotels in Lisbon - Booking.com
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Tramcars, and Yellow Boat River Tour